Post by: Smirker on December 14, 2024, 11:59:35 PM
Do you think we'll do it?
Post by: PaulWinch again on December 15, 2024, 12:09:58 AM
Post by: VillaTim on December 15, 2024, 12:29:57 AM
Post by: cdbearsfan on December 15, 2024, 01:01:49 AM
Post by: eamonn on December 15, 2024, 02:30:54 AM
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on December 15, 2024, 02:38:48 AM
Post by: Risso on December 15, 2024, 07:19:04 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on December 15, 2024, 07:21:53 AM
Post by: Rigadon on December 15, 2024, 07:43:41 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on December 15, 2024, 07:55:03 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on December 15, 2024, 08:01:12 AM
Post by: Demitri_C on December 15, 2024, 08:07:41 AM
If we are smart in January and make some smart signings without breaking the bank we can do. For example get luiz back on loan, recall illing jr or enzo to get bodies back to add extra competition
And bloody sign a right back. Then yeah we have a shot
Post by: algy on December 15, 2024, 08:07:44 AM
Post by: Demitri_C on December 15, 2024, 08:33:22 AM
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.
The problem is even before we kicked a ball in CL we did not look that convincing. Played pretty well vs west ham (but they have been hopeless most season) played well at arsenal but again missed loads of chances and lost. Followed by straping wins against leicester and Everton. Last season we were blowing teams apart.
Post by: Villafirst on December 15, 2024, 08:39:07 AM
Post by: Dave on December 15, 2024, 08:57:58 AM
If the second half of the season is any better than the first half, then we'll finish fifth.
If it isn't, we won't.
Post by: Beard82 on December 15, 2024, 09:11:19 AM
We weakened our squad in the summer, and have a few key players out of form, combined with a gifting goals every game. That’s not a recipe for 4th.
Duran has covered a lot of sins for the club. I think we’ll improve but we a shadow of the team we were last season.
Post by: Ozzjim on December 15, 2024, 09:13:47 AM
Post by: Villan82 on December 15, 2024, 09:14:20 AM
I am a bit shocked at how fragile we have looked since the Bournemouth game. If we don't sort that it's looking like we will struggle for the top 7 never mind top 4.
We have had some very disappointing results against teams we should be beating.
Post by: Rudy65 on December 15, 2024, 09:23:43 AM
Post by: Bobby Boy on December 15, 2024, 09:27:34 AM
8th
Yeah, I'd say that sounds about right.
Post by: Dante Lavelli on December 15, 2024, 09:35:26 AM
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.
Post by: MillerBall on December 15, 2024, 09:36:42 AM
This is a special season with us having Champions League football but the extra games are taking their toll and our slower paced; try and conserve energy football until currently working.
All is not lost and we make get Eùropa League football next season (not at Champions League ticket prices please), but we need to make the most of this seasons Champions League whilst we are in it.
Post by: SaddVillan on December 15, 2024, 10:35:09 AM
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?
Post by: Beard82 on December 15, 2024, 10:44:55 AM
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.
Post by: SaddVillan on December 15, 2024, 11:10:05 AM
One thing we're definitely struggling with is is the passive refereeing in the Prem compared to the almost non-contact approach in the ECL. It would be interesting to see how many times we get "fouled" in the Prem after an ECL game - are the players forgetting to recalibrate the physicality that's allowed domestically and suffering as a result?
If yesterday's game had been to the same standard as Wednesday's; we'd definitely have had a penalty and their winner would have been disallowed for the foul on Cash.
Post by: cdbearsfan on December 15, 2024, 11:38:03 AM
Not a chance. We need to finish 5th, 6th or 9th this season. We don't need conference league next season.
Why? We did alright last time we were in it. It's probably our most realistic chance of winning a trophy before I die.
Post by: Olneythelonely on December 15, 2024, 11:38:12 AM
Post by: Jon Crofts on December 15, 2024, 02:29:23 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on December 15, 2024, 02:48:33 PM
Post by: JUAN PABLO on December 15, 2024, 02:56:02 PM
1 liverpool
2 chelsea
3 man city
4 arsenal
5 villa
wont be newcastle , brighton nor spurs
Post by: dorsetvillian on December 15, 2024, 03:05:26 PM
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on December 15, 2024, 03:10:07 PM
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?
Basically what I think for 5th placed. We'll be in that mix.
Post by: cdbearsfan on December 15, 2024, 03:15:23 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on December 15, 2024, 04:03:35 PM
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.
None of them are doing that.
Post by: Pete3206 on December 15, 2024, 04:28:35 PM
6th, 7th or 8th
Post by: darren woolley on December 15, 2024, 05:07:15 PM
Post by: PhilVill on December 15, 2024, 05:19:46 PM
Post by: Chap on December 15, 2024, 05:22:00 PM
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on December 15, 2024, 05:25:59 PM
Post by: Steve67 on December 15, 2024, 05:26:53 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on December 15, 2024, 07:37:21 PM
Post by: Olneythelonely on December 15, 2024, 07:54:28 PM
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?
Post by: Demitri_C on December 15, 2024, 08:04:04 PM
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?
Post by: pauliewalnuts on December 15, 2024, 08:04:56 PM
Post by: VillaTim on December 15, 2024, 08:08:32 PM
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 .
Post by: Meanwood Villa on December 15, 2024, 08:10:19 PM
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.
Post by: Drummond on December 15, 2024, 08:13:32 PM
Post by: SaddVillan on December 15, 2024, 08:14:51 PM
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 Liverpool, Arse and Citeh to do well at the expense of clubs from Germany, Spain and Italy.
Post by: aj2k77 on December 15, 2024, 08:21:31 PM
Post by: VillaTim on December 15, 2024, 08:23:02 PM
Non chance. Concede 2 goals nearly every game it feels.If Mings / Konsa is reinstated there is a chance
Post by: Drummond on December 15, 2024, 08:27:26 PM
Non chance. Concede 2 goals nearly every game it feels.
We do, just ask Risso.
Anyway, if we keep losing we won't, keep winning we will, and somewhere in the middle (and form so far this season says we're very close) means we have a chance.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on December 15, 2024, 08:27:44 PM
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?
Yet you're making predictions about Man United and Spurs - two sides even more unpredictable than us - finishing above us on one match?
Did you even see that Man City Man United game?
Both sides were utterly dire.
Post by: Olneythelonely on December 15, 2024, 08:30:59 PM
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.
Post by: Demitri_C on December 15, 2024, 08:39:07 PM
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
Post by: dave.woodhall on December 15, 2024, 08:44:36 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on December 15, 2024, 08:46:52 PM
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.
Post by: SaddVillan on December 15, 2024, 08:49:47 PM
Everybody keeps winning and losing, going up a few places and then down again (or vice versa).
It's anybody's guess as to who will end up where when the music finally stops on May 25th next year ... ... ...
Post by: SaddVillan on December 15, 2024, 08:52:22 PM
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.
66 years and counting. The only one I haven't seen us win.
YET!
Post by: Demitri_C on December 15, 2024, 08:52:33 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on December 15, 2024, 08:54:58 PM
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.
Post by: Demitri_C on December 15, 2024, 09:04:06 PM
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.
Not really bothered or interested if you think "my predictions mean zip" to you i can make a prediction as positive or negative as i like. I am allowed to make a prediction and i think spurs and manure are likely to finosh above us if we sign no one in January
You need to accept that people are allowed to have differing opinions to you even if they are not positive. And your wrong by the way its not always doom and gloom - guess you missed all the posts after brentford
Saints and Leizpig?
Selective memory
Post by: Olneythelonely on December 15, 2024, 09:08:28 PM
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?
Post by: Demitri_C on December 15, 2024, 09:16:20 PM
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?
No need to cry about the question i posed to you it was a simple question all you had to do was simply answer it . A fair question but because i asked you answer it is now a "nonsensical question". Hilarous
So i was far off because i predicted spurs would finish above us we finished 4th and they finished 5th now thats far off? 😂😂😂 your making out as of spurs finished 19th. Goodness me
Now speaking in your language whats nonsensical your last sentence you think its not important that we are not playing as good as last season? You cant see what the problem with that is? Really?
We are playing worse, have less points and lower in the table than this stage last season. Thats not negative thats facts. I hope that answers your question.
Post by: Olneythelonely on December 15, 2024, 09:39:14 PM
Post by: Mellin on December 15, 2024, 09:45:31 PM
Post by: VillaTim on December 15, 2024, 10:16:28 PM
C115y in a real mess
Arabia on BD what could go wrong
BhA more jeckle and Hyde than us and we are their bogey team
Post by: SaddVillan on December 15, 2024, 10:53:55 PM
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.
No worries SE
Easy mistake.
For fans of a certain age (like me) not winning it becomes more of a disappointment as each season ticks by.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on December 15, 2024, 11:55:38 PM
Post by: Accent Guy on December 16, 2024, 01:32:49 AM
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.
Post by: Rory on December 16, 2024, 01:33:50 AM
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.
With all due respect, you've already said, mate. We remember.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on December 16, 2024, 02:00:55 AM
Post by: Rory on December 16, 2024, 02:16:23 AM
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.'
Post by: eamonn on December 16, 2024, 02:20:24 AM
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on December 16, 2024, 02:25:48 AM
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.
Post by: cdbearsfan on December 16, 2024, 02:28:32 AM
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.
We're two points clear of them. They'd swap, given the choice.
Post by: Rory on December 16, 2024, 02:48:43 AM
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.
Some things are rather like fighting back the tide.
Most of what McCartney wrote sounds pretty fucking naff to me, but then I was 20ish before I realised there are people out there who genuinely like Michael Jackson and non-gay men who have gone to see musicals unironically.
So I'm the one who is out of touch. Which is fine by me.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on December 17, 2024, 12:10:11 PM
Post by: Dave on December 17, 2024, 12:17:49 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ge_7h_0XEAA_QgC?format=jpg)
Feels like the sort of thing that will change every couple of results. If Amorim is anything close to what he's cracked up to be and they put a run together then I'd imagine they'll do it, but all those teams are capable of sticking three wins together then following them with three defeats.
If we have a second half of the season like 22-23, then we'll probably be fine. If we have a second half of the season lke 23-24 then we won't.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on December 17, 2024, 12:25:02 PM
Post by: London Villan on December 17, 2024, 12:35:53 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on December 17, 2024, 01:21:40 PM
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on December 17, 2024, 02:04:51 PM
Post by: Dave on December 22, 2024, 08:19:14 AM
Post by: Steve67 on December 22, 2024, 08:29:39 AM
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 last week, I would have been happy with 5th to 7th and that’s what I was thinking. I won’t get carried away thinking we’ve cracked it just yet. However, beat a quickly improving Newcastle and I might change my mind. Fair point made Dave but we have to find that consistency and also stop giving daft goals away.
Post by: ChicagoLion on December 22, 2024, 08:49:30 AM
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?
Post by: Demitri_C on December 22, 2024, 09:07:10 AM
Is everyone who convinced themselves after Forest that we're definitely finishing somewhere between 7th and 10th still sure that top five is impossible?
Ask me in 5 games time. Its all good beating city but then if we go lose the next 2 or 3 i would say its unlikley.
We need to build up runs now and pick up more points away from home. Home we are doing pretty well as only lost our first home game vs arsenal in the league.
We also need to keep clean sheets. Yesterday should have been one but another defensive error prevents that.
Post by: AV82EC on December 22, 2024, 09:07:52 AM
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.
Post by: Demitri_C on December 22, 2024, 09:10:54 AM
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.
Not sure about buendia mate. He does not look like at anywhere near the levels. Carlos ill happily sell if a good offer comes in. Barkley i agree with!
Post by: Baldy on December 22, 2024, 10:53:39 AM
If that combination can keep free from injury and with the great options we have on the bench, I think we are well capable of getting in the top four.
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on December 22, 2024, 11:15:34 AM
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.
Post by: Demitri_C on December 22, 2024, 01:03:44 PM
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.
If that happened we will comfortably be finishing in top four
Post by: VillaTim on December 22, 2024, 01:19:22 PM
Post by: Rigadon on December 22, 2024, 01:27:37 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on December 22, 2024, 05:16:07 PM
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.
Post by: garyellis on December 22, 2024, 05:51:41 PM
Forest and Bournemouth we will finish above so it is what’s below us that will be key
Our match day squad yesterday can do it but it will depend how the rest can step up plus a couple of well thought out reinforcements next month.
Post by: AV82EC on December 22, 2024, 07:30:54 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on December 22, 2024, 07:33:08 PM
If we could consistently reach the heights of yesterday performance, I'd back us to have a good go at winning the bloody thing.
Indeed, that has to be the watermark (accepting there will be tactical tweaks here and there)
Post by: Olneythelonely on December 22, 2024, 09:03:48 PM
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.
Post by: Demitri_C on December 22, 2024, 09:30:21 PM
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.
Easy liverpool. They can play non 1st teamers or as you say "less good players" and still batter most teams in the league
Post by: Olneythelonely on December 22, 2024, 09:33:55 PM
Post by: Dave on December 22, 2024, 09:40:33 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on December 22, 2024, 09:41:41 PM
You don’t think bringing Nunez on for Diaz weakens them? Or playing Gomez instead of Konaté?
Gomez has played alot recently since konates injury and they have still won their games. Nunez maybe not but what about jota? Id say he does.
Post by: Somniloquism on December 22, 2024, 09:47:26 PM
Or Chiesa for Salah
Yep, I would argue you only take Salah out of that side and Liverpool are massively weakened. He is responsible for 2/3rds of their goals this season and those are the ones credited. Some like saves or blocked shots that someone else finishes doesn't get the assist attributed.
Post by: Olneythelonely on December 22, 2024, 09:48:57 PM
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.
Post by: Demitri_C on December 22, 2024, 09:54:32 PM
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 🙂
Post by: Olneythelonely on December 22, 2024, 10:09:11 PM
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 🙂
I don’t think you understand what point I’m making or what and who you’re disagreeing with.
Post by: TelfordVilla on December 22, 2024, 10:20:02 PM
Post by: VillaTim on December 22, 2024, 10:51:17 PM
1) we without doubt need a couple of reinforcements in January, even if they are short term loans. RB and Pacey Winger .
2) no key players getting long term injuries .
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on December 23, 2024, 02:13:24 AM
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.
It's a bit mad that this conversation is even being had.
Post by: ChicagoLion on December 23, 2024, 06:31:59 AM
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.
Post by: dcdavecollett on December 23, 2024, 03:45:18 PM
Post by: jwarry on December 23, 2024, 04:07:09 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on December 23, 2024, 04:13:21 PM
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.
Post by: Clampy on December 23, 2024, 04:24:59 PM
Post by: Dave on December 23, 2024, 05:10:11 PM
Post by: Rigadon on December 23, 2024, 05:13:20 PM
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on December 24, 2024, 08:57:15 AM
I think Barkley has been ok and weighed in with a couple of goals.
Three goals in his last six appearances, a very handy return.
Post by: rob_bridge on December 24, 2024, 12:30:40 PM
Looking at it now. Liverpool are nailed on and Arsenal and Chelsea look as if they will also get there.
The other 2 places are gettable - if we win next 2 we would look very good at halfway mark. If we lose the next 2 we will look upwards from mid table
Post by: brontebilly on December 24, 2024, 01:36:46 PM
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.
Bailey was very good playing on the right last season. Id have faith he will catch form again in the second half of the season, can't really be as bad again... Ramsey fit would be a huge addition but there's huge doubts on that
Post by: paul_e on December 24, 2024, 02:29:51 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on December 24, 2024, 03:23:08 PM
I'm hoping our lesser tempo at the start of the season means we have the staying power for the second half compared to last year. I'm also hoping Emery's magic works better in odd numbered years as well.
Post by: eamonn on December 24, 2024, 07:32:25 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on December 24, 2024, 07:37:29 PM
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.
Post by: rob_bridge on December 24, 2024, 08:25:55 PM
Saw some comments from Chelsea fans saying that Maresca should drop/substitute Palmer when he's ineffective like at Everton at the weekend.
Post by: ChicagoLion on December 24, 2024, 09:28:57 PM
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.
Post by: Somniloquism on December 24, 2024, 10:16:33 PM
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.
Well the Everton result pretty much shows that if he was supposedly ineffectual. Although he also created one of Chelsea's better chances from open play that Jackson screwed up.
Post by: Rigadon on December 26, 2024, 11:06:11 AM
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.
From what I’ve seen of them, he’s as crucial to them as Grealish used to be for us. Take him out and I don’t think they're anything like as good.
Post by: Demitri_C on December 27, 2024, 07:04:57 AM
Post by: Richard on December 27, 2024, 12:09:19 PM
Brighton, Leicester, West Ham home before end of January.
Everton, Arsenal away.
Post by: Demitri_C on December 27, 2024, 12:44:42 PM
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.
Arsenal without saka as well which makes a big difference
Post by: Dante Lavelli on December 27, 2024, 04:54:36 PM
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).
What makes you say that? I’ve always guessed a squad player was everyone’s expectations.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on December 27, 2024, 05:12:22 PM
If we can re-group and qualify for the RO16 without a play-off, we can concentrate on the league until March. Sadly this will probably mean plenty of minutes for our second string in the cup, but even this can be seen as a positive if one thinks they need them to get up to speed. Maatsen, Ned, Barkley, Buendia, Philogene, Barry etc.
Post by: Demitri_C on December 27, 2024, 05:37:12 PM
Not sure whats gone wrong for him this season but he as looked really bad for most of the season
Post by: Meanwood Villa on December 27, 2024, 06:12:18 PM
Post by: VillaTim on December 27, 2024, 08:15:10 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on December 27, 2024, 08:36:54 PM
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
Post by: Karlos96 on December 27, 2024, 09:23:07 PM
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.
Post by: JD on December 28, 2024, 04:24:25 AM
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.
If we win the next two would we have been happy with 9 points from 12 from these four games. I think I would.
We just need to win the next two to be back on track.
Post by: eamonn on December 28, 2024, 05:25:08 AM
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.
Post by: Demitri_C on December 28, 2024, 06:25:57 AM
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.
Thanks for correcting me 👌
Agree though its not good enough. We need more goals from both
Post by: eye digress on December 29, 2024, 09:32:40 PM
His prime form last season was kick started - bizarrely - by being subbed as sub up at Liverpool. On a few occasions he’s referenced a pep chat he had with Emery at that time.
It was bookended by that open goal miss at the Spammers on the opening day. Since then, not much has gone right for him.
Sensitive type, Leon.
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on December 29, 2024, 10:21:10 PM
We will finish above Man City, Man Utd, and Spurs - which 9 times out of 10 would see us top 4. I also think we will finish ahead of Newcastle and Brighton, but not sure about Nottingham Forrest.
Bailey will find form at some point, Ramsey will return, Mings will get a run at some point. We will have a stronger second half of the season.
Post by: VillaTim on December 29, 2024, 10:29:02 PM
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.
No doubt we will draw these wankers in FA Cup 4 if we get past the spammers
Post by: Smithy on December 30, 2024, 09:44:01 AM
The good news is that the teams I think we're competing with for that 5th spot are similarly inconsistent (even if we're losing to them in Newcastle and Spurs).
Forest are obviously the wildcard, as we were last season, and they might well be able to hang on around the top 4, but they play Liverpool in a fortnight and then in Feb they begin a run of six league games that includes, Newcastle, Arsenal, Man City, Man Utd and us. If they're still in the top 5 after that run, then yes, they deserve to be taken seriously as proper CL contenders.
Personally I think they'll fade a bit (as we did), but hopefully we're better at chasing someone down than Spurs were.
Post by: ChicagoLion on December 30, 2024, 09:49:10 AM
Post by: Dante Lavelli on December 30, 2024, 09:52:11 AM
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on December 30, 2024, 01:43:06 PM
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on December 30, 2024, 02:02:43 PM
Post by: AV82EC on December 30, 2024, 02:10:59 PM
We are going to need around 40 points from 20 games. Two points a game is going to be a very big ask.
But not impossible. As others have said though we need more consistency and not the feast and famine, we’ve had so far this season.
Post by: ChicagoLion on December 30, 2024, 02:19:48 PM
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.
Post by: Dave on December 30, 2024, 02:35:09 PM
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.
I'm not sure the "we need forty points / two points per game" thing is necessarily true though. Leicester finished fifth with 62 points, and this season feels more than ever that most of the top ten teams are going to be very bunched up.
Or in other words, if we need to be getting two points per game to finish fifth then so do all those other teams who also aren't doing that at the moment.
Post by: cdbearsfan on December 30, 2024, 02:36:57 PM
Post by: Dave on December 30, 2024, 03:06:13 PM
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.
But that required points total is anywhere from 62 to 75 (in the last fifteen years or so, I couldn't be bothered to go back any further). Which is quite a big range of what the team finishing fifth needs to do.
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on December 30, 2024, 08:01:52 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on December 30, 2024, 08:14:14 PM
Post by: Dave on December 30, 2024, 08:26:33 PM
Lock the thread =[
Why?
Post by: astonvilla82 on December 30, 2024, 08:46:47 PM
Someone trying to stitch us up?Lock the thread =[
Why?
Post by: Olneythelonely on December 30, 2024, 08:53:21 PM
Lock the thread =[
Why?
Because he wets his pants at the first sign of adversity?
Post by: Demitri_C on December 30, 2024, 08:57:16 PM
Lock the thread =[
Why?
Because he wets his pants at the first sign of adversity?
You crying again
Someone get him a tissue
Post by: Olneythelonely on December 30, 2024, 08:59:16 PM
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.
Post by: Smirker on December 30, 2024, 09:08:34 PM
To finish with 70 we need to be two or three wins better in the second half of the season. Easily doable.
Post by: Small Rodent on December 30, 2024, 09:52:47 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on December 30, 2024, 09:52:59 PM
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 you lemon 😂
Post by: Dave on December 30, 2024, 09:54:08 PM
You heard of tongue and cheek
Don't think anyone has ever heard of that.
Post by: Deano's Mullet on December 30, 2024, 09:54:10 PM
Post by: dave.woodhall on December 30, 2024, 09:54:13 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on December 30, 2024, 09:54:29 PM
Post by: IFWaters on December 30, 2024, 09:55:21 PM
Post by: Villan82 on December 30, 2024, 09:56:16 PM
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on December 30, 2024, 09:56:28 PM
Post by: Steve67 on December 30, 2024, 09:56:46 PM
Post by: Smirker on December 30, 2024, 09:57:14 PM
It's happening too often regardless of the relatively small points gap.
Post by: Deano's Mullet on December 30, 2024, 09:57:26 PM
Post by: Beard82 on December 30, 2024, 09:58:12 PM
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
Post by: Villan82 on December 30, 2024, 09:58:32 PM
Post by: Smirker on December 30, 2024, 09:58:56 PM
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
Bournemouth at home. 96th min, conceded the equaliser.
Post by: Deano's Mullet on December 30, 2024, 09:59:16 PM
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
Bournemouth
Post by: PhilVill on December 30, 2024, 10:00:18 PM
Post by: German James on December 30, 2024, 10:00:36 PM
Post by: Smithy on December 30, 2024, 10:02:12 PM
That second one was stared and finished by their right back, a decent player, but he ran forty yards with the ball, then moved into the middle, unmarked, for a free hit inside our box. That is unacceptable.
Post by: villa_cads on December 30, 2024, 10:03:57 PM
Post by: Mellin on December 30, 2024, 10:04:02 PM
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.
Love your positivity, but it's bang on four wins directly from the loss column. That equates to 12 wins, 5 draws and 2 losses. Which is an immediate return in form right now to 2023 standards. Not impossible, but highly unlikely.
Post by: Demitri_C on December 30, 2024, 10:12:06 PM
Defensively we have been awful this season
Post by: PeterWithesShin on December 30, 2024, 10:14:26 PM
Post by: Rudy65 on December 30, 2024, 10:19:30 PM
Post by: itbrvilla on December 30, 2024, 10:20:08 PM
Post by: CT Villan on December 30, 2024, 10:20:35 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on December 30, 2024, 10:22:59 PM
Bring on 2025!
Post by: steamer on December 30, 2024, 10:28:46 PM
Only if we we win this year
nowhere near qualifying from our league position
Post by: Accent Guy on December 30, 2024, 10:29:45 PM
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?
Post by: Demitri_C on December 30, 2024, 10:42:58 PM
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?
Thats incredible if true as our poor form last season started around december time, (mainly lasted in second half of season) then the start of th :-*is seaosn hasnt been as good as the start on 2023.
It can only get better for 2025 😁
Post by: Drummond on December 30, 2024, 11:23:05 PM
Post by: VillaTim on December 30, 2024, 11:24:33 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on December 30, 2024, 11:38:57 PM
Ever since Footy disappeared we’ve been rubbish.
Correct.
Post by: cdbearsfan on December 30, 2024, 11:40:50 PM
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?
Yep, here you go.
https://www.transfermarkt.com/premier-league/jahrestabelle/wettbewerb/GB1
Last sixth placed finish before last season was 2009/10.
Post by: aj2k77 on December 30, 2024, 11:59:27 PM
Post by: eamonn on December 31, 2024, 12:19:46 AM
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.
Post by: Le Lapin on December 31, 2024, 11:00:07 AM
Post by: Demitri_C on December 31, 2024, 11:10:25 AM
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 quality of the sides looks far less than last season.
I wouldnt care of we went for conference. We can just play a B team give them more minutes so rwafy for league. Works well for chelsea so i would be ok with this
Post by: ChicagoLion on December 31, 2024, 01:41:55 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on December 31, 2024, 01:47:19 PM
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.
Said this in summer. Maatsen even said getting CL was one of the main reasons he joined us
Post by: cdbearsfan on December 31, 2024, 01:50:17 PM
Post by: Goldenballs on January 01, 2025, 09:08:28 AM
2024 table if it hasn't already been posted.
Post by: Demitri_C on January 01, 2025, 09:21:48 AM
https://x.com/premierleague/status/1874123597175804161?t=sdkqcRFlWTqeE7hQJ7TCxA&s=19
2024 table if it hasn't already been posted.
That teally suprises me as i thought we were alot worse. Thanks for sharing that. Very interesting
Post by: Drummond on January 01, 2025, 10:01:41 AM
Post by: Rigadon on January 01, 2025, 10:13:07 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on January 01, 2025, 10:54:57 AM
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.
Post by: Rigadon on January 01, 2025, 11:23:23 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on January 01, 2025, 11:31:38 AM
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.
I think Carlos will cover Left CB but that still leaves us short defensively.
Post by: Chris Smith on January 01, 2025, 11:59:47 AM
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.
Post by: Rigadon on January 01, 2025, 12:20:30 PM
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.
Yep, I'd have thought that's the most likely.
Post by: Demitri_C on January 04, 2025, 05:54:00 PM
We really need to go for it if we can get some quality in as CL is there for the taking
Post by: dave.woodhall on January 04, 2025, 06:01:12 PM
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.
Post by: Smithy on January 04, 2025, 06:01:29 PM
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.
Post by: Demitri_C on January 04, 2025, 06:09:26 PM
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.
Im making extra effort for you Dave 😁
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on January 04, 2025, 06:28:51 PM
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.
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on January 04, 2025, 06:30:47 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on January 04, 2025, 06:32:34 PM
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 ?
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on January 04, 2025, 06:38:56 PM
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.
Post by: Monty on January 04, 2025, 07:29:11 PM
Post by: AV82EC on January 04, 2025, 08:25:30 PM
Post by: Rory on January 04, 2025, 09:46:51 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on January 04, 2025, 09:59:45 PM
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.
Ah ok gotcha 👌
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on January 04, 2025, 10:12:40 PM
Post by: Chap on January 04, 2025, 10:51:58 PM
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!
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on January 05, 2025, 01:12:55 AM
Post by: Rory on January 05, 2025, 03:35:14 AM
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.
Post by: ChicagoLion on January 05, 2025, 06:19:51 AM
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.
Post by: eamonn on January 05, 2025, 07:16:58 AM
Post by: Richard E on January 05, 2025, 07:33:53 AM
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 ******.
This is beautiful. Up there with Mr Woodhall’s legendary Albion rant.
Post by: Monty on January 05, 2025, 08:49:12 AM
Post by: TaxDodger on January 05, 2025, 10:33:28 AM
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?
Post by: Dave on January 05, 2025, 10:43:02 AM
And not that it matters (probably) for your permutations, but Man Utd and Spurs are the top two favourites for the Europa League, so if one of them wins it and they don't finish top five, it would be six Champions League clubs from England.
Post by: AV82EC on January 05, 2025, 10:44:56 AM
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?
Yes, I think. I think there’s a scenario that if we won the Champions League and finished 9th everyone above us would still qualify fir Europe and England would have 6 teams in the Champions League.
Just thinking about this that could go up to 7 if either ManYoo or Spuds win the Europa League and finish outside the top 7/8.
However I may be making this up.
Post by: DeKuip on January 05, 2025, 10:56:42 AM
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?
Post by: Baldy on January 05, 2025, 11:03:16 AM
We havn't got out of third gear yet whereas many of the other runners are at full capacity. We have the ability, strength in depth and managerial nouse to overtake the likes of Forest, Chelsea, Newcastle, Bournemouth etc and a top 4 or 5 position is well within our grasp.
Injuries will be key but we are in a better position than most to handle that.
Post by: Astnor on January 05, 2025, 11:08:14 AM
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.
Post by: Demitri_C on January 05, 2025, 12:28:05 PM
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
Post by: Baldy on January 05, 2025, 12:59:19 PM
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
Or perhaps, just an injury to Morgan Gibbs White or Chris Wood!!
Post by: eye digress on January 05, 2025, 01:11:32 PM
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
Post by: Meanwood Villa on January 05, 2025, 01:14:03 PM
Post by: Olneythelonely on January 05, 2025, 01:16:40 PM
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.
Post by: olaftab on January 05, 2025, 05:34:48 PM
Post by: darren woolley on January 05, 2025, 05:42:36 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on January 05, 2025, 05:45:12 PM
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
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on January 05, 2025, 05:46:11 PM
If we can have a strong second half of the season then we will give ourselves a chance.
I’m expecting us to click at some point, I just hope there’s enough games left when we do!
Post by: eamonn on January 05, 2025, 06:23:11 PM
Post by: Olneythelonely on January 05, 2025, 06:31:54 PM
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.
Post by: Dave on January 05, 2025, 06:42:13 PM
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.
Post by: Demitri_C on January 05, 2025, 07:13:50 PM
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.
I have no idea what this even means.
Post by: Demitri_C on January 05, 2025, 07:18:53 PM
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.
Its no suprise you disagree with everything i say
But last season at this stage we were not 2nd and went on a terrible run of form yet still finished 4th. Forest go 2nd (pending on goals scored) if they win tomorrow. They are only side to win at anfield this year so they cant be that shit.Then you have this season where no team seems to be capable of going on a run apart from liverpool.
But lets ignore those elements.
Post by: Olneythelonely on January 05, 2025, 07:32:52 PM
I have no idea what this even means.
Well there’s literally no chance I’m explaining it all to you. Have a read back of the conversation.
Post by: Keeno on January 06, 2025, 01:07:39 PM
Despite our 'poor form' we're still on track to be around the 60 point mark. I'm hoping a slight uptick in the form of certain players, a bit of energy from new signings, and a few teams who have been overperforming their numbers like Forest regressing slightly, will see us pick up a few more than that.
That's before Coefficient FC delivers 5th place for CL... which we are playing our part in securing. We're still in a pretty good position.
Post by: rob_bridge on January 06, 2025, 01:52:30 PM
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
Post by: Pat Mustard on January 06, 2025, 02:23:34 PM
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 agree with this summary, albeit one big thing in our favour is we still have to play all three of Forest, Chelsea and Newcastle at Villa Park - none of them will fancy that fixture if we are breathing down their necks.
Post by: eamonn on January 06, 2025, 02:27:49 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on January 06, 2025, 05:15:03 PM
Post by: eamonn on January 07, 2025, 11:54:25 AM
Post by: cdbearsfan on January 07, 2025, 12:59:04 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 07, 2025, 01:45:55 PM
Post by: LeeB on January 10, 2025, 02:57:52 PM
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.
Post by: aj2k77 on January 10, 2025, 03:05:40 PM
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on January 10, 2025, 06:08:16 PM
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.
Top 3 for home form and bottom 6 in away form, that definitely needs to change as generally pre this season we’ve got our act together away from VP.
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on January 10, 2025, 06:18:14 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on January 10, 2025, 06:18:42 PM
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on January 10, 2025, 06:24:09 PM
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.
Post by: Dave on January 10, 2025, 06:29:28 PM
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.
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on January 10, 2025, 06:56:55 PM
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.
Cheers, gents.
Post by: Mellin on January 11, 2025, 11:28:46 AM
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.
Post by: Demitri_C on January 11, 2025, 07:09:01 PM
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.
We wont qualify if we dont strengthen thats for sure. But thankfully looks like we will.
I do agree with you we need a run but we have 3 away games (inc the CL one) we could drift off even further before our next home game
Post by: paul_e on January 15, 2025, 09:58:59 PM
Post by: django on January 15, 2025, 10:07:00 PM
Post by: Smithy on January 15, 2025, 10:16:27 PM
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.
You say "overhauling" like we've got a huge amount of catching up to do. But there is only 3 points covering Newcastle, Chelsea, Man City and us. With Forest only 3 points further up despite their ridiculously good run.
At some point, we're going to have a good run and string a decent handful of results together, I'm fairly certain of that. Until that happens, if we can stay within a single result's points of the Champions League places I'll be happy.
Considering how stuttering our performances have sometimes been this season, it's remarkable really that we're still right in the fight for a Champions League place.
Post by: django on January 15, 2025, 10:21:13 PM
It’s still a long way to go though. It’s perfectly possible we could have a stretch of games where we out perform them. It’s not long ago
Newcastle we’re patchy and Isak wasn’t in the deadly form he’s now in.
Post by: Demitri_C on January 15, 2025, 10:22:56 PM
We are certainly keeping these sides on their toes. We need a forest implosion. If that happens we have a gfrat chance. As i think arsenal liverpool city (unless they get a points deduction) and Newcastle are pretty much bankers for top 4
Post by: Dante Lavelli on January 15, 2025, 10:29:53 PM
Post by: Dave on January 15, 2025, 10:39:26 PM
I don’t think we’d be far away if we won the home games in the six-pointers versus Forest, Chelsea and Newcastle.
Bournemouth and Forest are the two real pissers for me.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on January 15, 2025, 10:42:35 PM
Good sides manage to still pick up points whilst playing badly. Remember how Ferguson's Man United would do that for long periods of time.
If we can pick up a couple more improvements this window, and start to put together more form, we're well set.
Post by: TaxDodger on January 15, 2025, 10:48:43 PM
Post by: pauliewalnuts on January 15, 2025, 10:50:00 PM
Post by: AV82EC on January 15, 2025, 11:13:43 PM
Post by: Chap on January 16, 2025, 06:28:55 AM
We'll be in the CL next season as defending champions.my thoughts as well. Just got a feeling😁
Post by: ChicagoLion on January 16, 2025, 07:10:58 AM
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.
Arse A
Wham H
Wolves A
Ipswich H
Chelsea H
Palace A
+ 2 CL games and 1 FA cup we have a game every 4 days so it’s imperative that we avoid the play off round which would add another 2 games.
We just do not have the strength in depth to cope with that.
Post by: Demitri_C on January 16, 2025, 08:18:49 AM
Post by: Rigadon on January 16, 2025, 08:46:27 AM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on January 16, 2025, 08:55:32 AM
Post by: rob_bridge on January 16, 2025, 08:56:52 AM
Stating the bleeding obvious how we do v Chelsea Bournemouth Forest and Toon, most of those at home will be a deciding factor.
Post by: Somniloquism on January 16, 2025, 09:02:55 PM
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
Maybe. A couple of points from last season to consider.
People stated being in the Champs League screwed up Newcastle's season and it would do the same for us. Currently we are still in it (they were out already I believe) and we have 6 points more then they did at the same point. (Albeit 8 points behind our total last season.)
However if we had matched last seasons form up until now, we would have been joint 2nd with Arsenal, although they might have had three points less that they wouldn't have gained from us.
Post by: Demitri_C on January 16, 2025, 10:10:44 PM
We have certainly made it hard for ourselves more than what it needed to be
Post by: Demitri_C on January 17, 2025, 09:45:48 AM
We have a great opportunity to pull away from themin next few weeks if we can get some more form together in the league
Post by: ChicagoLion on January 17, 2025, 10:25:39 AM
Other than that !
Post by: Drummond on January 17, 2025, 10:44:58 AM
Post by: Demitri_C on January 17, 2025, 10:55:44 AM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on January 20, 2025, 06:08:21 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GhvcG6fXUAA80Ik?format=jpg)
Post by: Smirker on January 26, 2025, 06:50:37 PM
Post by: eamonn on January 26, 2025, 06:52:52 PM
Post by: Rigadon on January 26, 2025, 06:53:14 PM
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on January 26, 2025, 06:53:31 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 26, 2025, 06:58:19 PM
Post by: PhilVill on January 26, 2025, 07:00:59 PM
Post by: aj2k77 on January 26, 2025, 07:01:16 PM
Post by: Monty on January 26, 2025, 07:04:44 PM
Post by: itbrvilla on January 26, 2025, 07:18:44 PM
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.
Post by: villa for life on January 26, 2025, 08:10:54 PM
Post by: eamonn on January 26, 2025, 08:19:15 PM
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.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on January 26, 2025, 08:30:32 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on January 26, 2025, 08:32:18 PM
Post by: Goldenballs on January 26, 2025, 08:33:16 PM
Then we will likely have to sell someone we don't want to.
Post by: olaftab on January 26, 2025, 08:38:22 PM
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.
Post by: eye digress on January 26, 2025, 08:46:26 PM
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.
Post by: aj2k77 on January 26, 2025, 08:53:04 PM
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.
We aren't playing Leicester, Everton, West Ham and Arsenal every 4 weeks...
Post by: olaftab on January 26, 2025, 08:58:34 PM
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...
Post by: Demitri_C on January 26, 2025, 09:05:49 PM
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.
I think those two extra games i think will determine how our season goea. If we avoid those two games we get a well earned rest and can take the fa cup more seriously
If we play those two extra games more fatigue and fa cup sacrificed.
We really have to win Wednesday night and hope one or two results go our way
Post by: Jon Crofts on January 26, 2025, 09:09:31 PM
Post by: Monty on January 26, 2025, 09:10:18 PM
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.
There aren't enough clubs in Europe who would both want and be able to afford them, and the ones that can would be able to sign them from us whether we were in the Big Cup or not. We're not losing Kamara to Napoli or Leverkusen.
Post by: ez on January 26, 2025, 09:20:27 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on January 26, 2025, 09:22:18 PM
Post by: Des Little on January 26, 2025, 09:34:16 PM
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on January 26, 2025, 09:35:08 PM
Post by: dorsetvillian on January 26, 2025, 09:38:21 PM
Post by: Steve67 on January 26, 2025, 09:40:05 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on January 26, 2025, 09:41:27 PM
Post by: Olneythelonely on January 26, 2025, 09:41:50 PM
Post by: Villan82 on January 26, 2025, 09:43:03 PM
2023 was probably the best year I've ever had as a Villa fan. Yes, the 90s were great but 2023 was just exhilarating and came after a period where we were in a renaissance after the horrors of the 2010s.
But 2024 wasn't quite right in some ways, especially off the field. It felt like just as we got a great team and manager we stopped being a classy club off the pitch and communication broke down completely. it definitely put a dampener on what should have been the best of times.
This season has been very stop start. Moments of class and moments of really awful stuff. But keeping within touching distance of where we want to remain. But there has been a bit of a mood around the place, almost like the off the field nonsense is affecting the whole operation. Questions over recruitment and planning (buying left backs galore but ending up down to one fit CB ahead of a massive game FFS) and even the way the tactics are so different from what we saw in the previous seasons.
Hopefully it is just 'one of those seasons' and we fix it in the summer. But I just don't have that feeling of certainty that 'this is it', that I had for the first two years with Emery and that is a bit worrying
Post by: Footy-Vill on February 03, 2025, 09:28:01 PM
There's still all to play for in the league for 4th and 5th
Not only that never know if win the tournament this year given the signings and added experience and quality have.
Up The Villa!
Post by: Rigadon on February 10, 2025, 09:20:21 AM
Post by: Dave on February 10, 2025, 09:30:37 AM
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)
Post by: Demitri_C on February 10, 2025, 09:35:04 AM
Post by: Rigadon on February 10, 2025, 09:40:30 AM
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)
I reckon you're onto something there. I just have a feeling it's going to get really interesting.
Post by: Smithy on February 10, 2025, 09:48:03 AM
If we could get to the end of this month and have all four fit and available, I think we're still in with a chance. Forest have Fulham away next, then they play Newcastle, Arsenal, Man City, Ipswich Man Utd and us. Although we have Chelsea and Liverpool ourselves in that time, I'd like to think we'll make up significant ground on them in the next 6 games. That brings them back into the battle for 4/5th rather than being a bit clear in 3rd.
The reality is, we've got to overhaul two of Chelsea, Forest, Newcastle and Man City. That's a VERY big ask, but not impossible. And you can't rule our Bournemouth, who are in excellent form and going under the radar a bit.
Right now I'd happily take 6th and qualifying for the Champions League by winning it. :-)
Post by: Demitri_C on February 12, 2025, 09:32:59 AM
Going to be tough to overtake forest who are 10 pts clear of us if we lose to liverpool playing a game more
Post by: Dick Edwards on February 12, 2025, 09:48:39 AM
Post by: eamonn on February 12, 2025, 10:32:31 AM
Post by: Stinkin_Thinkin on February 12, 2025, 10:49:51 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on February 12, 2025, 11:27:02 AM
Post by: Footy-Vill on February 12, 2025, 11:44:53 AM
Post by: placeforparks on February 12, 2025, 11:59:11 AM
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.
think the occasion will be too much for jude...
Post by: Dave on February 12, 2025, 12:22:38 PM
Saka, Jesus, Havertz and Martinelli all out for most of the run-in isn't ideal for them.
Post by: Rigadon on February 12, 2025, 12:24:09 PM
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.
Post by: paul_e on February 12, 2025, 12:59:35 PM
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.
The press will downplay the impact as well and definitely won't use it as an excuse if Arsenal fall off the pace.
Post by: Somniloquism on February 12, 2025, 01:02:03 PM
Post by: Dave on February 12, 2025, 01:06:25 PM
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.
Post by: Smithy on February 12, 2025, 01:11:19 PM
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.
Post by: Rigadon on February 12, 2025, 01:13:27 PM
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.
Post by: paul_e on February 12, 2025, 01:22:38 PM
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.
It's not the same for me because Ollie looks like a striker but sometimes struggles with his finishing. Havertz just isn't really a striker, all his best work comes when he acts more like an attacking midfielder.
Post by: Somniloquism on February 12, 2025, 01:25:59 PM
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.
Post by: Baldy on February 12, 2025, 01:52:57 PM
Otherwise, no.
Post by: Drummond on February 12, 2025, 02:18:32 PM
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.
I always read that as Arse Shavin'
Post by: Dave on February 12, 2025, 02:20:59 PM
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.
None of that makes Havertz a bad player.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 13, 2025, 07:54:43 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 13, 2025, 08:34:11 AM
Unlikely.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on February 13, 2025, 08:42:56 AM
We need 3 /4 from Citeh Bournemouth Newcastle Forest Chelsea to blow up and us to start not conceding 2 goals a game.
Unlikely.
The only one we'd need to "blow up" would be Forest. The gap to the others isn't large at this stage of the season, particularly as we've still got to play them all.
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on February 13, 2025, 08:43:49 AM
Post by: Rigadon on February 13, 2025, 08:47:27 AM
Post by: Demitri_C on February 13, 2025, 08:58:52 AM
Post by: Brend'Watkins on February 13, 2025, 11:50:12 AM
Post by: Demitri_C on February 13, 2025, 12:23:29 PM
Forest have been reasonably lucky with injuries. If that changes?
I think if gibbs white picks up a injury it could change for them. He is like grealish was for us. They do have some other talents like elanga and wood though so hard to know fir sure unless it happens
Post by: TelfordVilla on February 13, 2025, 12:44:19 PM
Post by: Smirker on February 15, 2025, 05:09:07 PM
Not unless we win it.
Still think this. Via the league it's gone.
Post by: CT Villan on February 15, 2025, 05:10:06 PM
Not unless we win it.
Still think this. Via the league it's gone.
Agreed, sadly.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 15, 2025, 05:10:54 PM
We had a great opportunity to close the gap today and we blew it - yet again
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 15, 2025, 05:11:47 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 15, 2025, 05:15:58 PM
Post by: PhilVill on February 15, 2025, 05:16:12 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on February 15, 2025, 05:19:31 PM
Post by: eamonn on February 15, 2025, 05:21:39 PM
But it's annoying that we might have to take some scalps (i.e Liverpool next week, Citeh away who will probably have their act together) to finish top five when on paper we've thrown away points against weaker teams than us in recent weeks.
Post by: Small Rodent on February 15, 2025, 05:22:45 PM
Post by: SamTheMouse on February 15, 2025, 05:26:55 PM
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.
Post by: itbrvilla on February 15, 2025, 05:39:57 PM
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.
Post by: Rigadon on February 15, 2025, 05:40:58 PM
Post by: pauliewalnuts on February 15, 2025, 05:44:05 PM
The football is turgid, slow rubbish far too often, like a really low quality Man City.
The defence is more often than not laughably poor and almost everyone scores against us.
We can’t play against lesser bus-parking sides because we don’t really seem to know what to do, and when we do create chances, more often than not we don’t take them.
It is hard to believe we recently won fifteen home games in a row because this season, in the league, I never feel comfortable we will win.
Post by: Stu on February 15, 2025, 05:50:38 PM
Post by: rougegorge on February 15, 2025, 06:07:19 PM
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.
Post by: Beard82 on February 15, 2025, 06:27:31 PM
I really hope we get Europe as worried where that will leave us. Shame really as I think this year will be one of the easiest years to get UCL.
But all season we have been putting in sub par performances - and have been too easy to score against and miss too many chances
Post by: ez on February 15, 2025, 07:14:31 PM
Post by: DB on February 15, 2025, 07:24:31 PM
There are 2 up for grabs, hoping for Chelsea, Forest and Newcastle to drop off and us to pick up, big ask.
Post by: BoVillan esq on February 15, 2025, 08:01:03 PM
if we beat Liverpool and Chelsea, both possible, then we are right back in there
Post by: algy on February 15, 2025, 08:03:19 PM
Post by: wince on February 15, 2025, 08:06:48 PM
Post by: Rigadon on February 15, 2025, 08:11:47 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 15, 2025, 08:24:13 PM
We’re more likely to beat Chelsea and Liverpool.
Yeah, wouldn't surprise me at all. I'd be pretty happy with 4 points from them, followed by victory at Palace.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 15, 2025, 08:34:47 PM
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 !
Post by: VillaTim on February 15, 2025, 08:53:59 PM
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 !
Post by: Demitri_C on February 15, 2025, 09:31:41 PM
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.
Post by: Drummond on February 15, 2025, 09:39:07 PM
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 !
Because it doesn't work like that, and you know it.
Post by: Somniloquism on February 15, 2025, 09:42:50 PM
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.
And Sheffield tried it and succeeded as well.
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 15, 2025, 10:56:35 PM
Post by: eamonn on February 16, 2025, 02:02:42 AM
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.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on February 16, 2025, 02:22:53 AM
Post by: ROBBO on February 16, 2025, 04:43:51 AM
Post by: BC Villain on February 16, 2025, 06:36:28 AM
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're in touching distance because of Duran. Take his goals away we would be 16th.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 16, 2025, 08:27:21 AM
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.
I dont agree mate ww cant start thinking european competitions are beneath us. I dont care what competition we are if it means we are more likely to win a trophy
Post by: rougegorge on February 16, 2025, 08:32:19 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on February 16, 2025, 09:12:49 AM
Post by: Rigadon on February 16, 2025, 10:45:48 AM
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.
I understand the sentiment, especially after yesterday's wasting of another chance to put pressure on the sides above us, but we're talking a couple of wins and we're back in amongst it. If we do get 5th now, it will be doing it the hard way. But that is also known as the Villa way, so it's possible. Beat Liverpool and Chelsea, and it's back on in my mind. Draw or lose both and let's just focus on the cups we're still in.
I think next season's Villa will look quite different to the one this season regardless of which European cup we're in. So, if we miss out on CL, so be it.
Post by: Goldenballs on February 16, 2025, 10:54:47 AM
Unless we go on an unlikely looking winning run, we're not getting Champions league next season.
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 16, 2025, 10:57:06 AM
Unless we win the next 2 then forget it.
Post by: algy on February 16, 2025, 12:03:15 PM
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.
Post by: olaftab on February 16, 2025, 12:07:16 PM
Post by: Rigadon on February 16, 2025, 12:10:30 PM
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.
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.
Post by: Clampy on February 16, 2025, 12:12:29 PM
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.
Why have we? Still a long way to go.
Post by: olaftab on February 16, 2025, 12:27:17 PM
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.
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on February 16, 2025, 12:36:31 PM
Next season will suck if we have no European football.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 16, 2025, 12:58:07 PM
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 agree olaftab. We could just play a 2nd team for group stage in conference. Now its the big league format we will play some very poor sides so we can afford to rotate more than the CL.
I would be ok playing in the conference to be honest and as you say we did get 4th playing in that competition so i am ok with it.
Post by: eamonn on February 16, 2025, 01:01:14 PM
Post by: Rigadon on February 16, 2025, 03:32:05 PM
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.
Like I said, I know it’s not a popular opinion! I think it is a distraction playing in Eastern Europe on a Thursday evening. We need to be in Europe I agree, but in CL or if not, Europa.
Post by: Goldenballs on February 16, 2025, 04:22:06 PM
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]
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 16, 2025, 04:31:37 PM
Post by: wince on February 16, 2025, 05:21:07 PM
It is nice being this end of the table than the bottom but is it PSR hamstringing us or is our manager too technical for the players we have? Not criticism of Unai at all but the form has been inconsistent for a year now. We are capable of playing well but where is the fluidity all of the time rather than the ponderous slow play from the back then inevitably gift a goal?
What jars me is the club off the pitch gave it the charlie big bollocks about being back where we belong but we have not shown this at all this season and unless we win the CL (unlikely) I worry about us keeping what top players we have or attracting new players to us.
It is almost futile to compete when the drawbridge has been pulled up but I would love for us to be top 4 consistently. Nottingham are doing what we did last season so will be interesting how they cope next season if they get CL football.
Just really pissed off we cant sustain CL and push higher up rather than getting rinsed by gash teams like Ipswich or Wolves as I thought the days of us being a points fairy were behind us. But here we are again there for strikers on a bad patch, teams not winning for 4 on the bounce or making average players look world class. Just really frustrating as it is proving last season was an exception not the rule and hoping Emery can turn this around and turn these draws into a win as these draws are feeling like defeats and points dropped. Win a few of those draws and the position looks better but we seem to only have a single half in us and concede, we look so fragile.
Post by: VillaTim on February 16, 2025, 05:25:49 PM
Post by: RamboandBruno on February 16, 2025, 05:30:56 PM
Think we will end on 57 points and wherever that gets us.I think thats probably about right.
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 16, 2025, 08:07:11 PM
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.
No where near enough for CL and will struggle to get Europa.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 17, 2025, 09:00:55 PM
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.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on February 17, 2025, 10:10:30 PM
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.
I agree, I think it's going to be on the low end.
Post by: VillaTim on February 17, 2025, 10:13:17 PM
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on February 17, 2025, 10:17:22 PM
Post by: Smirker on February 19, 2025, 09:40:45 PM
Not unless we win it.
Still think this. Via the league it's gone.
Still this.
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 19, 2025, 09:42:53 PM
Post by: PhilVill on February 19, 2025, 09:43:47 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on February 19, 2025, 09:48:39 PM
No, but we'll win the FA Cup and get in the Europa League. This is our year, 100%
Id be delighted with that
Post by: Smirker on February 19, 2025, 10:02:03 PM
No, but we'll win the FA Cup and get in the Europa League. This is our year, 100%
Id be delighted with that
Me too tbh.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on February 19, 2025, 10:35:32 PM
Upward progression is not going to be continually in the right direction, there are going to be setbacks, seasons not quite as good in the league as those before, we have to accept that.
Sometimes, though, we show we can be as exhilarating as we were last season. When we are anywhere near our best, we can beat anyone, it is just frustrating that we don't see it more often this season, but if you're looking for a consolation, being in the last 16 of the CL and having managed a rare progression past the 3rd round of the FAC is good.
Post by: itbrvilla on February 19, 2025, 10:40:02 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 19, 2025, 10:41:46 PM
The Ipswich game was a complete fuck up, it’s happened too many times to make top 4/5.
Post by: brontebilly on February 19, 2025, 10:53:25 PM
7 or 8 wins needed from 12, don't see us hitting that kind of consistent performance level.
Post by: Matt C on February 19, 2025, 11:48:55 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on February 20, 2025, 12:31:31 AM
Post by: cdbearsfan on February 20, 2025, 12:33:52 AM
Post by: Tuscans on February 21, 2025, 04:02:11 PM
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)
Post by: itbrvilla on February 21, 2025, 04:11:02 PM
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)
Post by: Rigadon on February 21, 2025, 04:17:50 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on February 21, 2025, 04:42:46 PM
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)
Dont think its that bad to be honest
Post by: Tuscans on February 21, 2025, 05:38:36 PM
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)
Post by: VillaTim on February 21, 2025, 05:40:55 PM
Post by: Rigadon on February 21, 2025, 05:41:50 PM
Saints aside , the away games all look tricky given our away form.
He who dares wins, Coopers.
Post by: N'ZMAV on February 21, 2025, 05:43:23 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 21, 2025, 05:43:26 PM
Saints aside , the away games all look tricky given our away form.
He who dares wins, Coopers.
Audere est Facere, aș Tim is oft to say.
Post by: N'ZMAV on February 21, 2025, 05:43:38 PM
we'll click soon, like, properly click. We'll get into Europe.
Post by: trinityoap on February 21, 2025, 07:12:42 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on February 21, 2025, 07:17:05 PM
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on February 21, 2025, 08:37:13 PM
we';; click soon, like, properly click. We'll get into Europe.
I’ve been saying that since Christmas, it’s not happened yet and the games are running out.
Hopefully the January signing and returning injured players will see it happen.
Post by: VillaTim on February 21, 2025, 08:43:22 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on February 22, 2025, 02:57:38 PM
Post by: Dante Lavelli on February 22, 2025, 04:04:12 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on February 22, 2025, 04:23:05 PM
Post by: Smirker on February 22, 2025, 07:37:08 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 22, 2025, 07:38:15 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 22, 2025, 07:42:22 PM
Brighton v Bournemouth
Palace v Villa
Wolves v Fulham
Chelsea v Saints
Forest v Arsenal
Spurs v Man City
Liverpool v Newcastle
And a relegarion 6 pointer
ManU v Ipswich
Post by: Drummond on February 22, 2025, 07:52:13 PM
Post by: VillaTim on February 22, 2025, 07:53:32 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 22, 2025, 07:55:10 PM
Follow up with a win at palace please and the dream is back on .
Especially with some of the other fixtures, we'd be right back in the mix.
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 22, 2025, 07:58:30 PM
Post by: paul_e on February 22, 2025, 08:00:41 PM
With the other results today I think we have to be happy with where things are because we look like we're getting better as the new additions settle in, and a few of the sides around us look like they could have a wobble.
We just need some centre backs and centre mids to get fit and I can see us finishing the season strongly.
Post by: DrGonzo on February 22, 2025, 08:02:04 PM
Post by: TelfordVilla on February 22, 2025, 08:03:44 PM
Post by: paul_e on February 22, 2025, 08:06:10 PM
Got to beat Bournemouth, Forest, Newcastle and Brighton
I'd be happy with 8 points from that lot and think it would be enough.
Post by: Smithy on February 22, 2025, 08:07:58 PM
Post by: eamonn on February 22, 2025, 08:19:25 PM
We had five competitors left to play, three at home. We've now played one of them and won. Newcastle and Forest have to come to us and we have to go to Bournemouth and Citeh.
A couple of wins and a draw from that lot will give us a great chance.
As long as we don't lose these six-pointers and start beating the teams lower down, we have every chance.
Rashford and Asensio have specifically been brought in to be match winners. They've won us one, they'll win us a handful more, I'm sure (Ollie and Morgz will look after the rest).
Post by: Astnor on February 22, 2025, 08:45:41 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on February 22, 2025, 08:58:51 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on February 22, 2025, 09:09:08 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on February 22, 2025, 11:26:42 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 23, 2025, 09:57:05 AM
Post by: Clampy on February 23, 2025, 10:09:02 AM
If we knew how to defend im 99.9% certain we would have qualified easy. Thats our achilles heel
Whilst you have a point, the defensive injuries we have haven't helped. Not only that, we have two defensive midfielders out too. We've done extremely well to still begin the mix.
Post by: Rigadon on February 23, 2025, 10:11:46 AM
Got to beat Bournemouth, Forest, Newcastle and Brighton
I'd be happy with 8 points from that lot and think it would be enough.
I'd back us against anybody when we're at our best. It's mad that we haven't hit our stride yet this season (in the PL at least) and that there is probably another gear we can go up.
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 23, 2025, 10:35:21 AM
Post by: TelfordVilla on February 23, 2025, 10:55:37 AM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 23, 2025, 10:59:21 AM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 23, 2025, 12:05:03 PM
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.
Post by: eye digress on February 23, 2025, 12:06:12 PM
We will need to show the kind of form we mustered at the end of Unai's first season. And surely we can't go the entire season without a purple patch?
Will 63, 64 points do it, given the attritional nature of the league this year? 7 wins, a couple of draws enough?
I'm convinced that Bournemouth will fall out of the picture, and Forest too - applying the same logic as above, surely they can't go the entire season without a sticky patch?
So it's us, Citeh, Chelsea and the Jaudis fighting it out for 3 (hopefully) spots.
Yes, that's the Jaudis who (if you believe the press) are back and a force to be reckoned with now. They'll likely be above us by the end of today, but when they come to Villa Park, we must be straining every sinew to ensure that they are within striking distance. Then, everything is possible.
Post by: Smithy on February 23, 2025, 12:07:17 PM
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.
That must mean the odds on us finishing above Chelsea are pretty good. Might be worth a bob or two.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 23, 2025, 12:11:24 PM
We've somehow managed to relocate the right track, but are still in the foothills of this particular journey.
Maybe, but I'm feeling more confident now that we have Andes García and Marco Ascentsio.
Post by: Somniloquism on February 23, 2025, 12:21:27 PM
Post by: eye digress on February 23, 2025, 12:24:13 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on February 23, 2025, 12:31:34 PM
The one goid thing about that is that teams wont sit back as much as at home and that tends to help us be at our best
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on February 23, 2025, 06:27:17 PM
We still have to play Man City, Newcastle, Forest & Bournemouth who are all in our sights to chase down.
We are finished with Liverpool and Arsenal, but still have Southampton.
Last two games are Spurs and Man U who will have nothing to play for.
Tuesday..While we are at Palace, Bournemouth go to Brighton, Chelsea at home to Southampton.
Wednesday...Forest home to Arsenal, Man City go to Spurs, Newcastle go to Liverpool.
Post by: AV82EC on February 23, 2025, 06:32:05 PM
Liverpool win
Spurs win
Arsenal Win
Bourn/Brighton draw
Post by: paul_e on February 23, 2025, 08:12:46 PM
I'd like
Liverpool win
Spurs win
Arsenal Win
Bourn/Brighton draw
A cheeky point for Southampton would be nice as well.
Post by: PhilVill on February 23, 2025, 08:30:00 PM
Post by: brontebilly on February 23, 2025, 08:32:38 PM
Post by: AV84 on February 23, 2025, 08:33:49 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on February 23, 2025, 08:42:29 PM
We then have a rest and can watch
Ipswich v Forest
Citeh v Brighton
Bournemouth v Brentford
Arse v Chelsea
Fulham v Spurs.
As a bonus watch, it is Liverpool v Newcastle in the final which puts extra fixture pressure on Newcastle in the tail-end (game in hand is Crystal Palace) AND the result of which might flummox their season which has happened in the past.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on February 23, 2025, 08:42:55 PM
Post by: Stinkin_Thinkin on February 23, 2025, 09:06:51 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on February 23, 2025, 09:11:50 PM
3rd Arsenal 58
4th Us 52
5th Spurs 47
6th Manure 44
7th Brighton 39
This season
3rd Forest 47
4th Citeh 44
5th Newcastle 44
6th Bournemouth 43
7th Chelsea 43
And 10th is the position on 39 points. It just goes to show how bunched up the top is AND that everyone is currently taking points of everyone else.
*We have played 27 which is part of the reason I didn't put us in at 8th, and part for symmetry of the places.
Post by: Legion on February 23, 2025, 10:40:46 PM
Post by: AV84 on February 23, 2025, 10:52:36 PM
we need to improve the GD. dish out a couple of 4-0 drubbings
Yep, given how many teams are still in the mix, it could be the difference between CL and nothing at all. (Maybe, I haven't done the maths on that)
Post by: eamonn on February 23, 2025, 11:45:38 PM
Highly unlikely, but you never know.
Is it?
Post by: aldridgeboy on February 24, 2025, 12:02:01 AM
As a fan for over 40 years , I get that “ it’s the hope that kills you “
But whilst we have not hit the heights of last year , by a country mile , we’re still only a few points off 5th and qualification. Bournemouth and Forest will surely dip. We have just one league game in March , leaving us hopefully an even stronger squad come a months time.
January signings seem to be excellent. Malen will get one and then get a few. Rashford and Asensio will change games.
We will make 5th. Keep the faith. UTV
Post by: Drummond on February 24, 2025, 12:41:07 AM
So not much chance.
Time to kick on.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on February 24, 2025, 12:48:22 AM
Post by: eamonn on February 24, 2025, 01:05:02 AM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 24, 2025, 07:38:40 AM
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.
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 24, 2025, 08:43:05 AM
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.
I think we will end up short.
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on February 24, 2025, 09:01:44 AM
https://theanalyst.com/2024/08/premier-league-predictions-2024-25-opta-supercomputer
Post by: Somniloquism on February 24, 2025, 09:06:12 AM
Post by: Dave on February 24, 2025, 09:07:52 AM
Quote
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.
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on February 24, 2025, 09:18:36 AM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 24, 2025, 09:27:30 AM
Post by: LeeB on February 24, 2025, 09:41:46 AM
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.
And why I'm not bothering to try and look at other teams fixtures to work it out, we just need to get a run of wins.
Post by: VillaTim on February 24, 2025, 09:44:47 AM
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
Post by: Somniloquism on February 24, 2025, 09:47:53 AM
(If we go far in the FA Cup, City away and Spurs at home are two which will need changing).
Post by: cdbearsfan on February 24, 2025, 09:58:18 AM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 24, 2025, 10:01:50 AM
Post by: boozey182 on February 24, 2025, 10:33:27 AM
All season I have been expecting our performances to get better and better, but now it almost doesn't matter. It's purely about results, however they come. It's about those moments now; the split-second decisions, connecting with the ball properly, the clearances off the line, capitalising on the dodgy backpass. We need to take advantage of every opportunity if we're going to qualify for the Champions League, with very little margin for error.
But it is doable. Our January signings are looking even more astute in this context with Rashford and Asensio, in particular, used to this kind of pressure. I'd have taken Asensio off on Saturday, it felt like the game was passing him by, but when the moment came, he got a decent enough connection on the ball. Rashford picked out the right pass.
The injuries we've had, the questionable refereeing performances, the fixture congestion, bogey teams (or grounds) - none of that matters. We're in control of our own destiny, and if we go on a bit of a run now, we'll give ourselves a huge chance of getting ourselves in there again next season. To be in with a shout at this stage of the season, when we have been far from our best, is amazing, and speaks to how good our manager really is.
Qualifying for the Champions League once is great. Doing it in back-to-back seasons would transform the club, in terms of revenue, how we're seen around the world, the confidence of our players and the signings we could make. A big push is needed.
Post by: VillaTim on February 24, 2025, 10:53:36 AM
Post by: Chris Smith on February 24, 2025, 11:18:33 AM
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.
Post by: Somniloquism on February 24, 2025, 11:23:25 AM
Post by: Ozzjim on February 24, 2025, 11:29:23 AM
Post by: Dave on February 24, 2025, 12:23:18 PM
Post by: AV82EC on February 24, 2025, 01:19:13 PM
Post by: VillaTim on February 24, 2025, 01:23:00 PM
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.
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on February 24, 2025, 01:32:38 PM
For sure we will make the Europa league, and in with a good chance of Champions League. Even a chance we qualify as winners.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 24, 2025, 01:37:27 PM
Post by: eamonn on February 24, 2025, 01:37:45 PM
Or our goal difference
cd says not to worry about goal difference.
Post by: stevo_st on February 24, 2025, 05:10:01 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on February 24, 2025, 05:14:48 PM
Post by: aldridgeboy on February 24, 2025, 05:21:48 PM
Post by: stevo_st on February 24, 2025, 06:00:19 PM
Post by: Dante Lavelli on February 24, 2025, 07:22:51 PM
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.
We’ve also gone deeper in the CL by comparison.
Post by: Smirker on February 24, 2025, 07:59:47 PM
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)
Post by: Meanwood Villa on February 24, 2025, 08:13:14 PM
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)
I remember you calling the Conference League qualification in Unai's first season before anyone else Smirker, do you believe again this season?
Post by: VillaTim on February 24, 2025, 08:24:18 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on February 24, 2025, 08:33:16 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 24, 2025, 10:05:29 PM
Post by: Mellin on February 24, 2025, 11:01:58 PM
Post by: SaddVillan on February 24, 2025, 11:19:59 PM
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?
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 25, 2025, 05:49:34 AM
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?
Post by: rob_bridge on February 25, 2025, 07:46:12 AM
At least the January signings give us a puncher's chance though. I think 6th at best.
Post by: Ozzjim on February 25, 2025, 07:50:40 AM
Only ourselves to blame this season. 2 points from Ipswich, home draw with Palace, Bournemouth, West Ham. All 5 games we should have walked home.
Post by: john2710 on February 25, 2025, 10:21:20 AM
If we are still within 2-3 points of the top 5 after those games, I think we'll do it.
Post by: Dave on February 25, 2025, 10:28:17 AM
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.
Yeah, that feels right.
I think the biggest factor might be any points deduction that comes Man City's way. Three teams fighting for third / fourth / fifth feels a lot more do-able than two teams fighting for fourth / fifth.
As even though they're rubbish compared to usual, you'd still expect them to swat aside enough lower teams to finish comfortably in the top four if no points deduction happens this season.
Post by: Drummond on February 25, 2025, 10:33:07 AM
Post by: Dave on February 25, 2025, 10:42:41 AM
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.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on February 25, 2025, 10:44:35 AM
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.
Post by: Dave on February 25, 2025, 10:57:21 AM
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.
Perhaps. But Forest have lost three of their last four and have Arsenal and Man City next. There is definitely greater precedent for a team doing unexpectedly well in the first half of the season and then falling away than there is of them maintaining it.
On Newcastle, obviously I'd rather we beat them but them smashing us and finishing fourth while we win the other games we'd be expected to and finish fifth would still be fine.
So there are scenarios where it's all okay.
Post by: boozey182 on February 25, 2025, 11:02:55 AM
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.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 25, 2025, 11:10:58 AM
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?
Post by: Drummond on February 25, 2025, 11:17:12 AM
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.
And that's it, the combinations and permutations are so wide-ranging that it's almost impossible to work out what's needed. If we keep winning, everything will be fine. There are lots of other outcomes that could happen to mean that it's just not the end of the world if things don't go the right way every week.
Post by: Smithy on February 25, 2025, 11:29:59 AM
We need to string a few wins together, to get away from this stop-start league season we're having, and there is no better opportunity to start getting back-to-back wins than tonight.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 25, 2025, 11:39:27 AM
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.
I can see some logic to that but would be more on board if we were playing Brighton and Bournemouth next. As an aside, Palace are slight favourites tonight unlike the Brentford game where we're favourites.
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on February 25, 2025, 12:26:14 PM
Post by: eamonn on February 25, 2025, 01:28:04 PM
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!
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on February 25, 2025, 01:32:20 PM
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.
Post by: AV82EC on February 25, 2025, 01:34:21 PM
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".
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on February 25, 2025, 01:40:31 PM
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.
Post by: AV82EC on February 25, 2025, 01:45:03 PM
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.
I'd be happy with that. I think the only way we get rid of this hoodoo is revisiting the scene of the crime in 1957 against the same opponents and putting it to bed. I think they're the team who've knocked us out the most in the intervening 60 odd years so it would be nice to round it out like that.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 25, 2025, 02:24:32 PM
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!
We studied his poetry (Hopkins not Manilow) for the Leaving Cert. I don't recall enjoying it much.
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on February 25, 2025, 02:44:26 PM
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".
I wouldn't mind that.
Just don't want the scummy Manc clubs in the Final again, hoovering up all the trophies.
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 25, 2025, 09:24:16 PM
Post by: Rigadon on February 25, 2025, 09:25:43 PM
Post by: aj2k77 on February 25, 2025, 09:25:59 PM
Post by: Smirker on February 25, 2025, 09:26:25 PM
Post by: Pete3206 on February 25, 2025, 09:27:33 PM
Post by: pauliewalnuts on February 25, 2025, 09:28:47 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 25, 2025, 09:29:22 PM
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on February 25, 2025, 09:29:42 PM
Post by: Villan82 on February 25, 2025, 09:30:06 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 25, 2025, 09:30:07 PM
Don’t deserve to, and won’t.
Nope that second half they legitimately gave up. They weren’t much good when they were trying, but it was embarrassing once they stopped.
Post by: stevo_st on February 25, 2025, 09:30:09 PM
Post by: Deano's Mullet on February 25, 2025, 09:30:21 PM
Post by: ez on February 25, 2025, 09:31:12 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on February 25, 2025, 09:31:13 PM
Post by: Smithy on February 25, 2025, 09:31:23 PM
Top 6 might be doable, but it's just as likely we miss out altogether the way we're playing right now.
Post by: PhilVill on February 25, 2025, 09:32:00 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 25, 2025, 09:32:16 PM
Are we making the CL?
What, with this defence?
Post by: Beard82 on February 25, 2025, 09:32:20 PM
Post by: Taylor on February 25, 2025, 09:32:31 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on February 25, 2025, 09:32:46 PM
Post by: Behind Bluenose Lines on February 25, 2025, 09:33:21 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on February 25, 2025, 09:33:54 PM
And we dont deserve it either
Shambolic defence has cost us deeply
Post by: Richard on February 25, 2025, 09:34:37 PM
No we wont - which is a shame because it seems very doable this season - but we just cant string together 2 good performances.
Exactly this. Injuries haven't helped of course but we are extremely inconsistent and defensively all over the place.
Post by: Brend'Watkins on February 25, 2025, 09:34:41 PM
Post by: Legion on February 25, 2025, 09:35:50 PM
Post by: ez on February 25, 2025, 09:37:08 PM
Post by: adrenachrome on February 25, 2025, 09:42:54 PM
Our defensive record is execrable.
Post by: Nunkin1965 on February 25, 2025, 09:45:26 PM
Dreadful away from home too often.
Post by: villa for life on February 25, 2025, 09:52:12 PM
Post by: Grande Pablo on February 25, 2025, 10:05:00 PM
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on February 25, 2025, 10:37:41 PM
Post by: DC1874 on February 25, 2025, 10:40:13 PM
Post by: DC1874 on February 25, 2025, 10:40:42 PM
Post by: VillaTim on February 25, 2025, 10:41:17 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on February 25, 2025, 10:42:04 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on February 25, 2025, 10:54:35 PM
Post by: Nii Lamptey on February 25, 2025, 10:57:45 PM
Post by: Flamingo Lane on February 25, 2025, 10:58:36 PM
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on February 25, 2025, 11:14:05 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 25, 2025, 11:16:06 PM
This thread is a real rollercoaster
As is our season. https://x.com/StanCollymore/status/1894506392288891128
Post by: Rory on February 26, 2025, 12:19:11 AM
Sorry but the league form has been shocking this season.
Disappointing. 'Shocking' is just hyperbole. We're not fucking Arsenal fans.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on February 26, 2025, 03:32:16 AM
“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.
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 26, 2025, 06:05:00 AM
Post by: Demitri_C on February 26, 2025, 06:46:24 AM
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.
My opinion is if all our remaining games were at home we qualify with ease but as a majority if our away games are away i would say its massively unlikley we will qualify for the conference let alone champions league. Yesterday wasa good opportunity to keep the run going.
And we blew it. Yet Again
Post by: Clampy on February 26, 2025, 08:20:02 AM
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.
As bad as last night was, you're right it's most definitely not over yet. I get the anger but some of it as ever is extensive and over the top (one poster has posted over 32 times since the game ended) and is still on it now.
It was crap and defensively we need to sort things out although having two defensive mids out at the moment can't be helping but we've also just taken 4 points off Liverpool and Chelsea.
Perspective and some calming down needed at times I think.
Post by: Richard on February 26, 2025, 08:33:02 AM
Post by: frank black on February 26, 2025, 08:41:03 AM
Post by: Dave P on February 26, 2025, 08:52:04 AM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on February 26, 2025, 09:10:12 AM
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.
Me too. I can get in those games.
Post by: wince on February 26, 2025, 09:38:47 AM
However, if my aunty had plumbs and all that, it is irrelevant. I can forgive the match and post match thread as this is the 1984 hate week in motion and long shall it remain so (if we cannot blow up in there where can we) but I think our season in the league is pretty much as it is now. Question is, would we be better risking some of our players may wish to move on without CL football? These are the same players who dont seem overly arsed week in week out anyway, with a premise of making a hell bent for leather push next year?
I thought it was premature with the early season 'giant awakes' nonsense as we got there now we need to maintain being there, which isnt easy with PSR hanging over us.
We are also, on paper, in a false position with the talent we have but we are where we deserve to be. To inconsistent, too inflexible at times and too easy to score against and not enough goals to compensate for this. We do have a lot of injuries but we cannot use this as an all encompassing excuse. When we are good we are great but too often lately we are reverting to type when teams havent won, or their striker is having a drought, or whatever. And that is why we wont qualify this year so it is Europa or Conference.
It will be a backward step if we dont qualify but it may allow us to concentrate on that push next season.
Just my thoughts this morning. Also aware of this time 9 years ago we would be so happy to be discussing this, however it is 2025 not 2016 and therefore no relevance to now. We earned our place up at this end of the table, lets not just be grateful to still be in the league. We are worth more than that.
Post by: Drummond on February 26, 2025, 10:40:30 AM
Europa or Conference will be where we end up I think now, because I do think we'll improve.
Post by: caster troy on February 26, 2025, 10:51:55 AM
Sure, it's not comparable to getting relegated but nonetheless it is pretty disappointing.
Post by: Dave on February 26, 2025, 10:53:49 AM
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.
Post by: Stinkin_Thinkin on February 26, 2025, 10:58:01 AM
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.
Emery might consider if it's worth sacrificing the FA cup to concentrate on the battle for 5th. We'll see with the team selection on Friday.
However it's only February therefore its possible we may pick up and others like Bournemouth and Newcastle will have their blips in March and April whilsts we'd find some form and big players to return Pau and Kamera. However last season we limped over the line and you think about ipswich at home a great opportunity to pump up the GD and we end up salvaging a point you think maybe its not going to happen?
Post by: aj2k77 on February 26, 2025, 11:03:19 AM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 26, 2025, 11:09:22 AM
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.
That's a fair summary after last night. We might go on a bit of a run if we get some players back and rested during March.
Post by: caster troy on February 26, 2025, 11:13:33 AM
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.
Obviously some would be replaced, and loanees like Enzo Barrenechea and Iling-Junior may be retained. Maybe the post-rebuild squad would do well with just domestic competitions but it wouldn't be a certainty.
Post by: Rigadon on February 26, 2025, 12:06:55 PM
Post by: Drummond on February 26, 2025, 12:08:33 PM
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.
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on February 26, 2025, 12:12:51 PM
Post by: Rigadon on February 26, 2025, 12:13:26 PM
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.
True. According to 'premier injuries' website both could be back by 8th March, so maybe back by the 2nd leg of the CL game.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 26, 2025, 12:33:28 PM
Thats pretty poor tbh
Post by: Rigadon on February 26, 2025, 12:42:04 PM
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.
Post by: Flamingo Lane on February 26, 2025, 12:50:13 PM
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.
True, but all things considered and at this stage of the season I'd fancy a team that is currently on a downwards trajectory would generally be more likely to take that 10th spot than one that is currently on an upwards one.
Post by: eamonn on February 26, 2025, 01:26:19 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on February 26, 2025, 02:30:13 PM
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.
You are welcome. Its not about cheer though, its about pointing out how badly we ard doing in the league as the evidence is there for all to see. 10th playing more games than anyone. Its not like we have had that tough games in the last 5-6 games barring liverpool and maybe chelsea
There is zero chance of top 5 if you cant win a away game for toffee
Post by: LukeJames on February 26, 2025, 02:50:47 PM
Post by: VinnieChase84 on February 26, 2025, 03:23:26 PM
Post by: Olneythelonely on February 26, 2025, 03:49:16 PM
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
Not if we beat Brentford in a couple of weeks time
Post by: aj2k77 on February 26, 2025, 03:51:51 PM
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.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 26, 2025, 04:14:17 PM
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
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 26, 2025, 04:45:56 PM
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.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 26, 2025, 05:32:21 PM
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.
Post by: Olneythelonely on February 26, 2025, 05:35:13 PM
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.
It’s always Werther reminder
Post by: SaddVillan on February 26, 2025, 10:11:53 PM
Looks like 5th spot will qualify for the Champs League next season (extra place on the old coefficient rigmarole).
Anyway, if justice is done and City maintain their current position of 4th but get a humongous points deduction post season sufficient to relegate them, then the club finishing 5th moves up to 4th and the club finishing in 6th spot will climb to 5th!!
Currently that's Toon on 44 points.
We're on 42.
Just need to stop pissing about
Post by: Demitri_C on February 26, 2025, 10:41:38 PM
Post by: AV84 on February 26, 2025, 10:53:00 PM
Post by: brontebilly on February 27, 2025, 12:07:55 AM
We did beat Everton away.
A fortunate enough win if memory serves correctly with DCL missing a sitter at the death.
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 27, 2025, 06:28:35 AM
Post by: PhilVill on February 27, 2025, 06:42:58 AM
Post by: eamonn on February 27, 2025, 07:01:46 AM
Post by: Nunkin1965 on February 27, 2025, 07:42:15 AM
Us being involved in a couple of extra tournaments makes it a tough challenge though.
We've got a shot at it but were just as likely to finish 5th or 10th with our inconsistency!
Post by: rob_bridge on February 27, 2025, 07:49:53 AM
We have to go to Bournemouth Brighton and City who based on the above will likely tonk us.
Post by: Rigadon on February 27, 2025, 09:02:13 AM
The truth is it's a total lottery at this point. We shouldn't give up.
Post by: Rigadon on February 27, 2025, 09:02:40 AM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 27, 2025, 09:44:44 AM
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on February 27, 2025, 10:57:56 AM
But no more 5 at the back nonsense though please!
Think our last win playing 5 at the back may have been when Brian Little was our manager.
Post by: Proposition Joe on February 27, 2025, 11:12:17 AM
Martinez
Bailey
Konsa
Even Watkins and McGinn have had as many bad games as good.
To have so many lose form is either unfortunate or careless - depending on how things are behind the scene. The infamous Emery Overload effect?
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.
Post by: Towser on February 27, 2025, 11:16:06 AM
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.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 27, 2025, 11:16:22 AM
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.
Post by: OCD on February 27, 2025, 11:43:34 AM
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.
Champions League is just about making as much money as we can.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on February 27, 2025, 11:54:06 AM
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.
Actually, Brighton scored in the first minute of that match. Probably with their first shot on target, imagine that.
Post by: MplsVilla on February 27, 2025, 12:31:53 PM
I want to be an optimist, but I'm not sure we qualify for Europe, let alone the Champions League based on our league position. The market consensus is that we are 5 or 6/1 to finish in the top 6. With most bookmakers having us finish 9th and I wouldn't bet on us finishing higher.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on February 27, 2025, 02:00:20 PM
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.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 27, 2025, 02:17:18 PM
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.
I know.
Post by: Rigadon on February 27, 2025, 03:21:28 PM
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.
Me neither! My point is that every fan of the other clubs involved probably feels something similar.
Post by: eamonn on February 27, 2025, 04:28:58 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 27, 2025, 04:31:24 PM
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.
Although I would happily miss out on the conference next year and give it a real go in the League.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 27, 2025, 07:16:24 PM
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.
Post by: Drummond on February 27, 2025, 10:31:46 PM
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.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 28, 2025, 07:39:12 AM
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.
I think your massively exaggerating not sure why. If you think we can get champions league thats your choice not goubg to criticise you for believing that.
But your wording here is abit odd. 'Doomed' where have i said we are doomed? Doomed is saying something like we will finish bottom half, have to sell half our team in summer as they will all want to leave, or that we will be fighting relegation. I have said none of that in the above post. All i am merely saying is that its massively unlikley that will will finish top 5 because we are currently 10th playing catchup, have a poorer GD, played a game more, cant defend and cant consistently win away from home. Those are not opinions those are facts. Last season we were in the top 5 at that stage so to finish in top 5 now it would be a remarkable achievement bigger than last season.
Cant see it myself. You dont need worry about my health but thanks for your concern! Im sleeping well and don't lose sleep other it. Its only football doesnt have a impact on my life outside this forum.
Post by: Clampy on February 28, 2025, 07:44:13 AM
Post by: Demitri_C on February 28, 2025, 09:24:04 AM
Why say the same thing once or twice when you can say it over and over again?
Ita called responding to a post
You may have a heard of it before
Post by: Baldy on February 28, 2025, 09:42:01 AM
Sort out the feckin injuries and we are still in with a shout.
Massive improvement needed though.
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 28, 2025, 11:06:08 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 28, 2025, 11:09:02 AM
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.
Post by: OCD on February 28, 2025, 11:18:55 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on February 28, 2025, 12:40:54 PM
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on February 28, 2025, 03:47:25 PM
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.
Yeah, Warnock said we changed back on MOTD, but my recollection was that Bailey was still really deep.
Post by: OCD on February 28, 2025, 04:50:10 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on March 08, 2025, 08:34:59 PM
Chelsea v Leicester
Spurs v Bournemouth
Mon
West Ham v Newcastle
Sat
Ipswich v Forest
Man C v Brighton
Bournemouth v Brentford
Sun
Arsenal v Chelsea
Post by: Somniloquism on March 08, 2025, 08:38:01 PM
Sunday 16th
Fulham v Spurs
Post by: cdbearsfan on March 08, 2025, 08:38:31 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on March 08, 2025, 08:39:35 PM
Post by: Smithy on March 08, 2025, 08:44:51 PM
Our next two league games are Brighton and Forest, we absolutely need at least 4 points from those two games, not least to maintain momentum, but they are also genuine contenders for European places themselves.
Post by: Mellin on March 08, 2025, 08:46:16 PM
Post by: Legion on March 08, 2025, 09:00:34 PM
Post by: rob_bridge on March 08, 2025, 09:06:18 PM
Still no. Beat Brighton and Forest and we'll talk.
Yep that's my thoughts
We have to beat both and Newcastle and not lose to Bounemouth or Cite-eh. 11 points.
That is a tall order but who knows with the break coming up.
ManU, Spuds, Fulham - minimum 7 points
Saints 3 points
65 may just be enough for 5th.
Post by: TelfordVilla on March 08, 2025, 09:32:49 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 08, 2025, 09:33:20 PM
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on March 08, 2025, 09:36:21 PM
I reckon 62 or 63 points may be enough for 5th, with our inferior goal difference we would probably need the 63. So 18 points from 9 games. W 5, D 3, L 1.
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. It would be the most fans at Old Trafford cheering a Villa win since 1977.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 08, 2025, 09:39:03 PM
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.
I'd take that now, especially if Citeh were still in the mix. It could be payback for Keith Curle. ;)
Post by: Dave on March 08, 2025, 09:41:44 PM
If we do it, it will have to be a last third of the season to rival 2019 or 2023.
But we've won our last three, are in the last sixteen of the Champions League and are second favourites to win the FA Cup. So we're going the right way about doing it at last.
Anything less than four points against Brighton and Forest, and chuck everything in the FA Cup basket though.
Post by: Smirker on March 08, 2025, 10:15:46 PM
Post by: eamonn on March 08, 2025, 10:42:41 PM
Post by: VillaTim on March 08, 2025, 10:57:14 PM
All that calamitous defending in the first half of the season will cost us , the GD doesnt lie . We have to keep going but I think we are too late .
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 08, 2025, 10:58:36 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on March 08, 2025, 11:32:46 PM
Post by: Cliftonville Villlain on March 09, 2025, 02:26:47 AM
Post by: eye digress on March 09, 2025, 06:50:37 AM
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.
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 09, 2025, 07:07:05 AM
Not losing to Brighton or Bournemouth.
Yesterday the optima stats said we had a less than 1% chance.
Post by: TelfordVilla on March 09, 2025, 07:16:10 AM
We've done it before and no other team has strengthened their squad in January.
Post by: jwarry on March 09, 2025, 08:21:24 AM
Post by: Richard on March 09, 2025, 09:10:49 AM
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
Maybe but we've already beaten Spurs at home this season and Manure are rubbish.
Post by: eamonn on March 09, 2025, 12:28:51 PM
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.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 09, 2025, 12:35:27 PM
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.
Looking at their remaining fixtures, a Citeh win would have been a much better result for us yesterday.
Post by: eamonn on March 09, 2025, 01:06:46 PM
Also, if we do finish the job against Bruges, we'll have the QF away leg after playing Forest the Saturday evening before. We'll then have the "nicest" league game between the first and second leg - Southampton (away) with the home second leg on the following midweek after which we'll play Newcastle at home on the next Saturday evening.
The lads aren't going to be training much in April. Game, rest and recovery and Uncle Unai's classroom (apparently modelled on Andy Townsend's Tactics Truck circa 2001 on ITV).
I dont know if the Tues/Weds have been already decided on the CL QF ties ?
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 09, 2025, 01:18:29 PM
Would it? I think Forest's run-in is tough enough.
That was my point. It's going to be tough to overhaul Citeh given their fixtures, so it would have been better to be only 3 points behind Forest with them still to come to Villa Park.
Post by: eamonn on March 09, 2025, 02:52:31 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on March 09, 2025, 03:50:50 PM
Post by: Clampy on March 09, 2025, 03:56:56 PM
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.
Post by: VillaTim on March 09, 2025, 04:54:37 PM
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.
We're in a strong position but the tie is far from over.
Post by: aldridgeboy on March 09, 2025, 05:58:31 PM
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.
And a possible points deduction to come ?
Post by: tomd2103 on March 09, 2025, 07:34:16 PM
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.
Post by: Flamingo Lane on March 09, 2025, 07:57:17 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on March 09, 2025, 07:59:38 PM
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.
Post by: AV82EC on March 09, 2025, 08:03:38 PM
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.
May will be just as bad if we progress in both cups.
Post by: brontebilly on March 09, 2025, 08:06:39 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on March 09, 2025, 09:10:26 PM
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.
Your entitled to your opinion but i disagree simply because when was the last time we sat in the top four for more than a week this season? We have been hovering outside the top 5 for most of the season. Compare that to last season where we sat in top four near enough all season. We are leaving it late to push a challenge.
Either have we then on that basis but in my opinion PSG are not winning at anfield. Liverpool were average in paris and still managed to keep a clean sheet and win the game. At anfield liverpool are a completely different animal. I would be shocked if they dont win that game comfortably
Post by: Mellin on March 09, 2025, 09:13:20 PM
Anything can happen and we're absolutely capable of putting out Liverpool if we're on it.
Post by: VillaTim on March 09, 2025, 09:15:52 PM
Post by: Clampy on March 09, 2025, 09:24:21 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 09, 2025, 09:45:14 PM
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.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 09, 2025, 09:46:37 PM
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.
Of course anything is possible. But beating them over two legs is a lot more difficult than one game that's for sure. We also tend to do very poorly at anfield. Thats something we would have to vastly improve on if we are to have any chance.
On a side note, i jad a look at chelseas remaining fixtures they ahve a very tough run in. They could be in trouble if they dont hit abit of form
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.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on March 09, 2025, 10:39:29 PM
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.
I don't think we have played too badly against them either time. There's definitely hope.
Post by: tomd2103 on March 09, 2025, 11:17:23 PM
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.
Yep, agree with that entirely and it is shaping up to be a very exciting month. I just look at that fixture list and can't help but think that something has got to give in at least one or maybe even more of those games.
Post by: aldridgeboy on March 10, 2025, 12:12:45 AM
We’ve wanted this for years. Come April, and still in 3 competitions ( I’ll concede the league is for CL not the title )
Post by: Martyn Smith on March 10, 2025, 12:30:03 AM
Post by: Rory on March 10, 2025, 12:48:25 AM
I have a feeling we'll be in the Europa next season, either thru league position or winning the FA Cup
I think Europa qualification could be pretty important.
The money might be worlds apart, but in terms of quality, the gulf between CL and Europa is smaller than ever. Particularly in England.
It's not like the days of the 'top four', competing for four CL places and the Europa was decidedly second tier. In those times, the distinction was so clear that Tottenham qualified once and suddenly became a 'big club'.
But now, 'elite' clubs are in Europa every year. Playing in the PL and being in the Europa is as attractive to good players as one guaranteed season in the CL was for an Italian/French/German team 20 years ago.
I don't think we need CL. But we do need Europe.
Post by: eamonn on March 10, 2025, 01:27:56 AM
Post by: Rory on March 10, 2025, 01:48:51 AM
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.
But equally, there are a diminishing number of clubs that can guarantee CL football and pay what we can in wages.
Three in Spain, three or four in Italy, one or two in Germany, one in France. Anything to an English club will involve a premium.
Post by: KingstandingVilla on March 10, 2025, 04:09:32 AM
The chance of us winning the FA Cup is higher than the chance of us winning the CL or qualifying for the CL through top 4/5. This alone puts in the Europa as would our probable league finish.. Not the glamour of the CL but European footballl for a 3rd year and Big Ears in the trophy cabinet the fan base would take this all day
Next season... Unia may view winning the Europa as easier than finishing in the the top 4/5 this would then give CL football for a second season in 3 and have us WELL established as a force in the game where people will want to come and play for us.
Post by: Ozzjim on March 10, 2025, 07:58:55 AM
Not getting CL must have been budgeted from the start, a cursory glance at Newcastle last season shows how hard CL to PL is too manage without players that have been there and done it, getting up for the biggest games midweek then doing it again against an increasingly competitive premier league, then lol at our injury list and the players who left.
Forest will find this out next season too.
Post by: Dick Edwards on March 10, 2025, 08:02:59 AM
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
Post by: London Villan on March 10, 2025, 10:22:59 AM
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on March 10, 2025, 12:55:59 PM
Looking at the sides left in the Europa, I'd fancy us to win it this season if we were in it.
We did say this about the Conference League, though. Especially as West Ham had just won it.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 10, 2025, 02:16:47 PM
Looking at the level of teams in the conference compared to last season its alot poorer standard
Post by: rougegorge on March 10, 2025, 02:34:00 PM
However, that is also based on the assumption that the top 5 get into next year's CL, a team outside the top 8 does not win the FA Cup (eg Crystal Palace/Fulham), and that if Newcastle were to win the League Cup they finish in the top 8.
Post by: Rigadon on March 10, 2025, 02:41:15 PM
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?
Post by: eamonn on March 10, 2025, 02:44:00 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 10, 2025, 02:48:21 PM
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.
This season it feels like the European equivalent of the EFL Trophy.
*I reserve the right to change my mind should we qualify for it.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 10, 2025, 02:51:27 PM
I think we’d have a good chance in the Europa League too mind.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on March 10, 2025, 02:52:00 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on March 10, 2025, 02:58:25 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 10, 2025, 03:26:43 PM
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.
Post by: VillaTim on March 10, 2025, 03:43:57 PM
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.
Post by: ventnorVillain on March 10, 2025, 03:51:50 PM
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.
I hope it's exciting ride rather than exiting one as this implies some major disappointments.
Post by: Pat Mustard on March 10, 2025, 03:56:57 PM
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.
Glass half-full view - we have close to a 3 week break going into this period, the squad will be fully fit, and no player is going to want to miss out. Assuming there is a bit of rotation in certain matches, every player will be at full pelt to try and get into the team for all of the big games.
These are the kinds of months that can define a team for an era. We haven't hit our stride over a prolonged period at any point this season, but this would be the perfect time to do it. We also seem to have just about rediscovered out ability to grind out a result as well.
Honestly, I don't think I've been as excited about a month of fixtures since 1996.
Post by: London Villan on March 10, 2025, 04:01:49 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on March 10, 2025, 04:14:19 PM
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...
I suspect that's the plan. He does tend to know what he's doing...
Post by: Luffbralion on March 10, 2025, 04:26:28 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on March 10, 2025, 04:28:45 PM
Post by: Luffbralion on March 10, 2025, 04:36:51 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on March 10, 2025, 07:10:41 PM
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?
Yes as i said, as it would allow us to focus on league as well. Look at the impact its having on manure and spurs in the league compared to chelsea.
If there was a massive financial difference in the competitions or europa wasnt on thursday would be more appealing.
Also more chance of winning it
I agree with percy and CDs points above also
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 11, 2025, 05:56:40 AM
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
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 11, 2025, 06:12:11 AM
Also their last game listed
still to play:
3rd. Forest 6pts ahead
Villa (a)
Last game of season Chelsea (h)
4th. Chelsea 4pts ahead
Fulham (a)
Newcastle (a)
last match of the season Forest (a)
5th. Man City 2pts ahead
Brighton (h)
Villa (h)
Bournemouth (h)
last game of season Fulham (a)
6th. Newcastle 2pts ahead
Villa (a)
Brighton (a)
Chelsea (h)
last game of season Everton (h)
7th. Brighton 1pts ahead
Man City (a)
Villa (h)
Newcastle (h)
last game of season Spurs (a)
9th Bournemouth 1pts behind
Fulham (h)
Villa (h)
Man City (a)
last game of season Leicester (h)
10th Fulham 3pts behind
Bournemouth (a)
Chelsea (h)
Villa (a)
last game of season Man City (a)
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 11, 2025, 06:16:52 AM
our must win matches still to play
Brighton (a)
Forest (h)
Newcastle (h)
Man City (a)
Fulham (h)
Bournemouth (a)
Last match of season (a) Man Utd
Post by: stevo_st on March 11, 2025, 07:33:56 AM
No idea who we were playing and who got the first, but pretty confident we’ll be in the champions league next season now.
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on March 11, 2025, 07:45:25 AM
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.
*Races off to place bet*
Post by: jwarry on March 11, 2025, 08:05:26 AM
Aston Villa won the European Cup in 1982. As Unai Emery's present side try to emulate that feat this season, three heroes from Rotterdam have come together to reflect on the club's greatest night when Villa beat Bayern Munich 1-0.
Peter Withe, scorer of the game's only goal, goalkeeper Nigel Spink and Tony Morley, the winger, joined a video call to reminisce, ask whether Emery's side have what it takes to go all the way in the competition this year and debate how the current side measure up to their team of legends.
The trio, whose names are etched indelibly in Villa folklore, last came together for the funeral of former team-mate Gary Shaw in October.
In 1982 Morley, 70, had laid on the bobbling cross for Withe, now 73 and living in Perth, western Australia, to turn home off a post in the 67th minute. At the other end Spink, the youngster of the trio at 66 and a relative unknown at the time, was performing his own heroics in only his second appearance for the club in 2½ years, repelling the Bundesliga champions after having replaced the injured Jimmy Rimmer in the ninth minute.
Spink
Bayern's players sat
gutted in the centre circle and I went to swap shirts with Manfred Müller, the goalkeeper. Around five years ago I exchanged emails with Bayern's museum about swapping back. Bayern were brilliant, showed me around and gave me a tour of the club museum. You felt their respect for former players. They wanted to publicise the swap and brought my shirt to the lunch table in a magnificent presentation box wrapped in tissue paper and accompanied by match photos from different angles I had never seen. My wife kicked me in the ankle under the table. I knew what she was thinking. Manfred's shirt was under the table in a tatty second-hand Sainsbury's bag.
Morley
Typical Spinksy. The occasion feels like yesterday and you slide back into banter. My memory is Pete was going to miss. His wonder goal off his ankle. He'd practised it for a long time.
Withe
We recreated the goal at a Villa supporters' club in Bordeaux around five years ago. We had a few drinks so it didn't come off my shin, although another time, I hit the post. I went to Munich to swap back shirts with Klaus Augenthaler — without the plastic bag. My goal was down to Gary Shaw's brilliance, taking the ball near the touchline and cutting inside Wolfgang Dremmler. One of my sayings used to be, “Gary, see you at the far post”, which ended my speech after his funeral. People told me they held back their emotions until I repeated it — and then cried their eyes out.
Morley
I had nights out with Gary and drank a few too many at times. He always said and, excuse the language, “That scouse bastard scored the goal to win the European Cup final” or “I should have been in the area”. It was tongue-in-cheek but there was a serious side. He would have given up his honours just to have scored that goal. A local lad. Everybody says Bayern battered us. We only conceded twice in the competition to Dynamo Berlin. Villa did a deal with Nike to wear their boots for the final, which were like concrete at the time. Gary and I did not as we had our own sponsors. Some lads got blisters. After I thought, “What if the boots cost us the cup?”
Spink sat on the substitutes' bench beside team-mate Pat Heard and Gary Newbon, the television broadcaster who disguised himself as a Villa kitman to get around Uefa's diktat that interviews must be 45 minutes after the match. ITV were scheduled to be off-air sooner. Tony Barton, the Villa manager, agreed to the stunt.
Spink
I was in the reserve team when they won the league with 14 players the previous season. We never saw them play as matches clashed and we practised in a separate part of the training ground. The step-up in quality was an eye-opener. It helped me that I didn't have a clue about Jimmy's neck injury. I didn't think for a minute I would get on and so had no nerves. Newbon dug me in the ribs and said, “Jimmy's not carrying on, you're on”. I sort of said, “Well, I can't! What? What?” It was literally that much of a surprise. I ran towards the Villa supporters and they didn't have an absolute clue who I was. Bayern stuck aimless balls into the box and I was able to get a feel of it. A surreal experience. I deliver freight and if I go to the Netherlands, someone will recognise me and chat about '82.
Withe tipped 26 bottles of champagne into the trophy, telling Ken McNaught it might be too heavy to lift.
Morley
The cup rim was too big. When we started to drink, it ran down your shirt. I felt the pressure of keeping the cup in England because Liverpool and Forest had won the previous four finals. The cup had been lifted by legends of the game like Alfredo Di Stéfano, Ferenc Puskás and Bobby Charlton. Inside I said, “Make this last, it might not happen again”. We paraded the real trophy back home, unlike now where teams get a replica and there are so many going around that even Pete has one in Australia…
Villa host Bruges with a 3-1 lead from the first leg on Wednesday and meet either Liverpool or PSG in the quarter-final should they progress. The Bruges goalkeeper Simon Mignolet joined Sunderland in 2010 after being scouted by Spink, then working for the club, and the pair have arranged to meet for a coffee before the game.
Spink
I'm going to drop a little sedative into his coffee!
Morley
PSG or Liverpool, a different level. Villa will need an A-game or bye-bye.
Withe
Look at Plymouth Argyle beating Liverpool. Anything can happen and
remember we came through tough games behind the Iron Curtain. We were 100 per cent better than the team now — stronger and could compete more.
Morley
I don't mean this disrespectfully. We won the league and European Cup and until they do, you can't compare the teams. There is no reason why they can't compete for it in five years as Villa are heading in one direction. Credit the manager and owners for the amount of money put in. They need a trophy. I think it'll be the FA Cup. It's boring at times, but that's the way football is now. Different eras. I wouldn't change one player for that side. Conditions are different. All this crap about present players being fitter is a load of rubbish. No one trained like we did. They now have a better rate of recovery with nutrition, scientific advice and technology. The three of us witnessed what Villa do when we visited the training ground in autumn. Pete, you spotted that the manager notices if a player is not 100 per cent and he'll speak to the psychologist and ask them to subtly find out the problem. In our day, the manager dealt with it himself.
Withe
They showed us three rooms for team meetings. Someone said, “Where did you do your team meetings?” I replied, “The pub or The Belfry”. We had a unity. I think that is what Unai Emery is trying to instil.
Spink
You can't compare with the mental strength of our squad. There weren't psychologists. Tony's house burnt down and Ron Saunders told him to get his head around it as he's got to play the next day. Now they'd be taking two weeks off to recover. We had to deal with it ourselves. Our psychologists were senior players like Pete, Jimmy
Villa have been inconsistent but are chasing a place in the top five which could secure a return to the competition next season. In January they sold Jhon Durán and signed Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford, both on loan, to ease worries about potential breaches of the financial rules.
Morley
Durán always had his shorts down his arse and I thought, “How the hell can you play like that?” He's jumped ship for the money. Morgan Rogers is powerful and can change games, he wants to run with the ball,
which was my game.
Spink
I like Emiliano Martínez''s brashness and ability. Villa have had key injuries and Pau Torres is a massive loss. It was good business selling Durán. He'd done nothing, apart from line his pockets. I would rather have the European Cup medal and pictures than a dollar — 100 per cent. I'd love Rashford to get a goal quickly as that would bring him to the fore for supporters. Players want to play in the Champions League and if Villa don't qualify again, the worry is whether they could lose a few big boys. For now, let's toast our history and this run.
Post by: eamonn on March 11, 2025, 09:31:36 AM
Post by: Brend'Watkins on March 11, 2025, 12:25:06 PM
I don't mean this disrespectfully. We won the league and European Cup and until they do, you can't compare the teams. There is no reason why they can't compete for it in five years as Villa are heading in one direction. Credit the manager and owners for the amount of money put in. They need a trophy. I think it'll be the FA Cup. It's boring at times, but that's the way football is now. Different eras. I wouldn't change one player for that side. Conditions are different. All this crap about present players being fitter is a load of rubbish. No one trained like we did. They now have a better rate of recovery with nutrition, scientific advice and technology. The three of us witnessed what Villa do when we visited the training ground in autumn. Pete, you spotted that the manager notices if a player is not 100 per cent and he'll speak to the psychologist and ask them to subtly find out the problem. In our day, the manager dealt with it himself.
I like Tony Morley, I've spoken to him a few times too but what he's saying here is rubbish for most part. Players now are much fitter than 40 odd years ago, it's a fact.
They aren't from the same background either, they've been groomed to be professional footballers from an early age so look at life differently. A psychologist is important now more than ever, "Chin up and pull yourself together" doesn't cut it anymore.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on March 11, 2025, 12:39:24 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on March 11, 2025, 01:01:19 PM
Post by: paul_e on March 11, 2025, 01:12:58 PM
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.
You only have to watch a few games from the time to see how much slower the play was. Even going back to the mid 90s the intensity just isn't there like we see now, things like a high press were pretty much unheard of.
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 11, 2025, 01:13:46 PM
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.
Post by: Gerrin on March 12, 2025, 09:27:36 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on March 12, 2025, 09:47:47 PM
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
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 13, 2025, 03:58:03 PM
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
2 Apr v Brighton (A) PL
5 Apr v Nott'm Forest (H) PL
9 Apr v PSG (A) UCL
12 Apr v Southampton (A) PL
15 Apr v PSG (H) UCL
19 Apr v Newcastle (H) PL
and I suspect the Man City match if win in champions league will be moved and could end up playing them twice in a week /10 days if drawn in semi final against them and also in the league
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 14, 2025, 02:53:48 PM
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
I’ll add Ipswich v Forest .
Now in order to make gains without playing the winners needed this week ahead are Spurs , Brentford , Arsenal and Ipswich
and a draw in the Man City v Brighton game
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 14, 2025, 05:12:51 PM
And this Guardian article backs me up:
“The Premier League is almost certain to have a fifth team in the Champions League next season, with the distinct possibility of a sixth too, after the completion of the last-16 ties in European competition.
Progress for Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea, combined with the exit of Roma from the Europa League, means England are overwhelming favourites to claim one of two European performance spots (EPS) for Uefa’s elite competition next season
Uefa officials believe England are almost home and dry in the race for an extra spot, which is awarded based on performance in the association club coefficient, which aggregates the performance of a nation’s teams in European competition over the course of a season.
The coefficient is calculated by awarding teams in European competition points for winning or drawing, and bonus points for qualifying from one round to the next. Scores are then averaged out according to the number of teams from a given country that started the season in Europe.
The coefficient table has England scoring the most points this season, ahead of Spain and Italy. With the top two nations earning the EPS, in effect England must stay clear of Italy to confirm a spot. England have five teams left in competition. Italy have fallen to three, with Inter, Lazio and Fiorentina progressing.”
Post by: Dave on March 14, 2025, 05:18:44 PM
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on March 14, 2025, 05:29:51 PM
Ipswich v Forest ....Ipswich win
Man C v Brighton...Draw
Bournemouth v Brentford...Brentford win
Arsenal v Chelsea....Arsenal win
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 14, 2025, 07:09:56 PM
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
Post by: Drummond on March 14, 2025, 10:00:47 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 15, 2025, 02:30:18 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 15, 2025, 04:50:49 PM
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)
The Newcastle at home match will be like a cup final for the champs league
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 15, 2025, 04:54:11 PM
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
The game in hand for both Man City and Brighton means this draw is a great result and have to play both of them.
Nothing to fear v Man City the way they been conceding and allowing chances and have stated a few times we could be destined to play Man City twice in space of 7 to 10 days that league match will likely be moved from Monday 28th due to FA Cup semi final participation (of one or both clubs)
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 15, 2025, 04:58:14 PM
2-2 115C and Albion is a great result.Quite right!!
shame forest won but it’s still all to play for and yes this needs to be discussed away from ‘other games’ as it’s so important and better suited in this thread .
other games are just that but considering the games that are impactful then it’s most considered to debate and highlight here regards the qualification for Champions League!
Post by: Somniloquism on March 15, 2025, 05:14:35 PM
Post by: Smirker on March 15, 2025, 08:33:39 PM
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.
Post by: rougegorge on March 15, 2025, 08:52:05 PM
Then, next year there's no guarantee that 5th place will earn a CL place.
Post by: Flamingo Lane on March 15, 2025, 09:26:14 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on March 15, 2025, 09:30:02 PM
Top five = Champions League
FA Cup winners and sixth = Europa League
League Cup winners = Conference League
But if FA Cup winners and League Cup winners both finish top six then down to seventh would be good enough for Europa and eighth gets you in the Conference League.
Post by: Flamingo Lane on March 15, 2025, 09:30:12 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on March 15, 2025, 09:35:05 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on March 15, 2025, 09:36:55 PM
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021%E2%80%9322_Serie_A
Post by: Somniloquism on March 15, 2025, 10:04:51 PM
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.
Post by: jwarry on March 16, 2025, 03:16:24 AM
Ideally this weekend..
Ipswich v Forest ....Ipswich win
Man C v Brighton...Draw
Bournemouth v Brentford...Brentford win
Arsenal v Chelsea....Arsenal win
Almost the perfect weekend so far
Post by: Demitri_C on March 16, 2025, 06:01:41 AM
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
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 16, 2025, 07:05:39 AM
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
Post by: Meanwood Villa on March 16, 2025, 07:40:26 AM
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.
I'm not sure if we can use the phrase "normally" when we are in the first season that it has happened. I note that Italy's points total is higher than Spain's overall but their coefficient is lower because of the division by 8 rather than 7. However, the flip side of this is that having 8 teams gives more opportunities for points to be gained. I'd file this concern under overthinking things, although I thank you for prompting me to think about it.
Post by: brontebilly on March 16, 2025, 08:48:39 AM
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
Will struggle to hold onto likes of Gibbs-White in the summer.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on March 16, 2025, 11:30:21 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on March 16, 2025, 12:03:01 PM
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.
When was the time other than last season?
Post by: PeterWithesShin on March 16, 2025, 01:55:41 PM
Post by: paul_e on March 16, 2025, 02:37:36 PM
This season has a similar feel.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 16, 2025, 05:06:36 PM
.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
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 16, 2025, 07:05:44 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on March 16, 2025, 07:27:38 PM
2015/16.
Thanks. That's the last nine seasons rather than the last eight but the point still stands, if not more so.
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 16, 2025, 10:51:26 PM
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
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 16, 2025, 10:54:23 PM
Also last game of season listed
still to play:
3rd. Forest 9pts ahead
Villa (a)
Last game of season Chelsea (h)
4th. Chelsea 4pts ahead
Fulham (a)
Newcastle (a)
last match of the season Forest (a)
5th. Man City 2pts ahead
Villa (h)
Bournemouth (h)
last game of season Fulham (a)
6th. Newcastle 2pts ahead and game in hand
Villa (a)
Brighton (a)
Chelsea (h)
last game of season Everton (h)
7th. Brighton 2pts ahead
Villa (h)
Newcastle (h)
last game of season Spurs (a)
8th Fulham equal points as Villa
Bournemouth (a)
Chelsea (h)
Villa (a)
9th Bournemouth 1pts behind
Fulham (h)
Villa (h)
Man City (a)
last game of season Leicester (h)
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 16, 2025, 11:03:39 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on March 16, 2025, 11:19:29 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 16, 2025, 11:24:03 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 16, 2025, 11:29:38 PM
I genuinely think our best chance of qualifying is by winning it.Well consider this:
Would we rather play 5 games against PSG twice , Arsenal or Real Madrid twice and a final Vs Barcelona /Bayern/Inter .(draws allowed along the way to final)
or win all 5 games against Brighton, Newcastle , Man City, Fulham, Bournemouth.
The remainder of the season have to be the best.
Post by: cdbearsfan on March 16, 2025, 11:41:39 PM
Post by: Rory on March 17, 2025, 12:07:38 AM
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.
On the balance of probabilities I'm not predicting it, obviously, but we've generally risen to the occasion in the CL.
I think we're more likely to put in three or four outstanding performances against teams who are almost certain to underestimate us and give us space, than we are to reverse a year of patchy League form and win pretty much every game between now and the end of the season.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on March 17, 2025, 12:18:29 AM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 17, 2025, 12:29:44 AM
I do agree that an FA Cup win and Europa League next season is more likely than either of the above.
Post by: Rory on March 17, 2025, 01:19:51 AM
I agree. I'm going for an FA Cup win though and Europa League football next season.
I'd take that.
If the lardarse, shirtless Northern West Brom can win something, surely it's time we can. Those self-adoring dickheads would spend their whole lives wanking into a mirror if only it was fat enough.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 17, 2025, 06:14:41 AM
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
Post by: Smithy on March 17, 2025, 07:31:12 AM
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?
Post by: Rigadon on March 17, 2025, 07:38:26 AM
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?
Exactly. That the teams in it aren't as good isn't that much of a factor if you still have to play the same number of games and do the same travelling about the continent while also still playing all the other matches. If you wanted to 'focus on the league' you're better pff out of Europe all together but dont' expect the better players to all stick about for that.
Europa would be OK, but not as good as CL.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 17, 2025, 07:59:11 AM
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.
Post by: Dave on March 17, 2025, 08:08:59 AM
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.
And I reckon that logic checks out - but there are too many moving parts to really know what the overall impact is.
Spurs this season and Liverpool last were able to play a bunch of youth / fringe players in their earlier games and still stroll through to the later stages, so hopefully we'd be doing the same next if that's what we're playing in. And I agree, I think a game against Linz or Qarabag would mean we're less likely to screw up the following weekend than if we'd just had the additional emotional and physical stress of a game against Bayern or Juventus. Without looking at the results, I bet last season would probably back that up.
However, Champions League money is probably the difference between us keeping Asensio / Rashford / signing a new striker. So the extra money also brings in extra resources to deal with the harder matches in both Europe and the league.
Which is more likely to get us there, easier matches and less of a post-Europe hangover meaning we win more, or a harder season, but a better squad meaning we win more?
Post by: Smithy on March 17, 2025, 08:49:58 AM
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.
The sides are better in the Champions League, but you still need to play the same matches in the Europa. You still need to travel to them. You still need to prepare for them. In fact, there is an argument to say the Europa would have a more detrimental effect on the league form as the games are generally later in the week, which means less recovery before weekend league games.
Don't get me wrong, I'd be more than happy with a run in the Europa if we miss out on the champions league, but this idea that it would allow us 'to focus more' on the league simply doesn't stack up. The Conference league has two fewer matches in the league phase, otherwise it's the same format also.
As others have said, if you want to avoid the 'burnout' of playing in Europe, you need to miss out altogether - and none of us want that. The reality is we need to build a squad capable of fighting on all fronts. We're getting there, but there is still some work to do. When everyone is fit, our squad has real depth and quality.
Post by: eamonn on March 17, 2025, 09:17:53 AM
Our record in the league post-Conference games last season was better than the CL-league turnaround this time but then again we WERE a better team last season just generally.
Post by: Dante Lavelli on March 17, 2025, 09:32:43 AM
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.
Yeah, Conference League would allow us to play the likes of Gauci, Bogarde and Enzo rather than them going on loan. Normal tickets should be £25 max. I see that as a positives however on the flip side, signing Rashford or Asensio would, and should, be off the table.
Post by: DB on March 17, 2025, 10:20:40 AM
Win the cups and qualify for the CL (which we will do anyway if we win the thing).
Post by: OCD on March 17, 2025, 11:49:37 AM
Post by: AV82EC on March 17, 2025, 11:51:59 AM
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.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 17, 2025, 11:54:18 AM
As dave sound of alludes to you would think we coild play weakened teams in the early stages of the group and i mean we have some ridiculous options now and i think this team would beat olympiakos who are in this tournament compared to last season. I mean look at rangers they are in the QFs and we beat celtic who are better than them.
So i do think we would be fine but the issue is the level of players we could attract. But man do i want a fa cup
Post by: Dante Lavelli on March 17, 2025, 01:16:08 PM
Post by: Dave on March 17, 2025, 01:26:07 PM
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.
Yup. If we are, then I'd say making the three loans permanent, and an upgraded reserve keeper if Gauci or Zych aren't seen as being ready to do the job and we're pretty much set.
If we're not, the keeper, Disasi and one of the other two, ideally Asensio.
Post by: Dave on March 17, 2025, 01:51:05 PM
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
Quote
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.
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 17, 2025, 03:02:40 PM
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.
Post by: Drummond on March 17, 2025, 04:18:52 PM
Post by: Dave P on March 17, 2025, 04:22:50 PM
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.
I think what he is saying, and I agree with, is that this season our main aim must be to win the FA Cup, and take the Europa League place that comes with it. Of course we want the champions league again next year, but I'll be annoyed if we threw the FA Cup away chasing it.
Post by: Dick Edwards on March 17, 2025, 04:45:44 PM
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.
Post by: cdbearsfan on March 17, 2025, 05:04:28 PM
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.
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 17, 2025, 05:11:42 PM
However first step is beating Brighton. win that and more people will believe and hope we can make it!
If Villa lost that would not be good given the points let alone the goal difference.
Post by: DeLaCruzing on March 17, 2025, 05:15:04 PM
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on March 17, 2025, 07:26:28 PM
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.
Post by: OCD on March 17, 2025, 07:32:59 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on March 17, 2025, 07:48:09 PM
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.
*Rage intensifies
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 17, 2025, 09:34:23 PM
obviously Southampton and Preston would be likely suspects but both occasions we are likely to field a heavily rotated side .
Maybe Spurs at home last match of the season
(depending where Man City gets moved too) will be the match.
ideally hitting for a 6 against one of our rivals would be great but i would take several 3-0 victories against them !
Exciting though as it’s all to play for really for the places.
Post by: eamonn on March 18, 2025, 09:04:26 AM
Post by: cdbearsfan on March 18, 2025, 09:06:53 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on March 18, 2025, 09:30:12 AM
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on March 18, 2025, 09:35:33 AM
Post by: Drummond on March 18, 2025, 09:43:08 AM
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 18, 2025, 10:18:53 AM
I say this because no team outside of the top 3 has shown the consistency to be a top 4 team this season. Villa are very much in contention, and I don’t think Chelsea, who are 4th and 4 pts ahead, have shown the form for quite a while now that is the best 4th place team.
With 5th place also up for grabs, then it’s certainly in the realms of possibility, and I forecast 5th in the league, winning the FA Cup and the semifinals of the Champions League.They are all very distinct possibilities, but to focus on the topic at hand, Villa have every chance for a Champions League place.
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on March 18, 2025, 11:11:28 AM
And when we finish a point ahead of them they'll actually be drawing with us won't they?
Can you please stop talking sensibly when I'm trying to annoy my brother?
Post by: cdbearsfan on March 18, 2025, 11:14:44 AM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 18, 2025, 11:19:31 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on March 18, 2025, 11:23:46 AM
And when we finish a point ahead of them they'll actually be drawing with us won't they?
No. Because the "worth an extra point" is only applicable in the one set of circumstances when points are already level.
Post by: JUAN PABLO on March 18, 2025, 12:16:07 PM
So that will be very interesting If found guity as that would be their place up for grabs If they finished top 5 .
Knowing the corrupt @@@@@@ they probably get off , but lets hope some good news.
Post by: eamonn on March 18, 2025, 12:19:35 PM
Similarly Newcastle are in 6th place ahead of Brighton, both on 47 points.
And it's always been Atleti for me - not Atletico or Athletico. I cheered Forlan and Aguero on from crumbling Calderón terraces circa 09-11.
Post by: OCD on March 18, 2025, 01:32:23 PM
Post by: rougegorge on March 18, 2025, 01:54:11 PM
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.
Ever since then, I have known that it is not correct to say 'AC Milan' or 'Inter Milan'. Italians refer to them as Milan and Inter (or Internazionale in full). Milan is correct, even though the Italian for the city is Milano.
Saying AC Milan or Inter Milan is like someone here saying 'FC Liverpool' or 'Chelsea London'.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on March 18, 2025, 01:56:19 PM
Post by: AV82EC on March 18, 2025, 01:57:33 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on March 18, 2025, 02:02:59 PM
also think there's a team in Spain called "Athletico Madrid".
Fools. Everyone knows that their real name is scumbag wanker twats.
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on March 18, 2025, 02:12:50 PM
It's just PSV.
Although it is Feyenoord Rotterdam.
Post by: eamonn on March 18, 2025, 03:22:25 PM
"So were you really born in Rotterdam? That's amazing!".
"No luv - it were Rotherham".
Post by: Sexual Ealing on March 18, 2025, 03:24:42 PM
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.
Post by: Witton Warrior on March 18, 2025, 03:41:48 PM
Post by: eamonn on March 18, 2025, 04:42:52 PM
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.
A safe pair of hands runs in the genes.
Post by: cdbearsfan on March 18, 2025, 05:46:09 PM
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.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on March 18, 2025, 05:49:47 PM
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.
Next time I'm planning a miserable butterless feast with refrigerated eggs I'll drop you a line. But I already know the fact, so keep it to yourself. It won't be a conversational occasion anyway. It'll start at 7, you'll be home by half-past.
Post by: cdbearsfan on March 18, 2025, 05:51:09 PM
Post by: eamonn on March 18, 2025, 06:29:59 PM
They were dancing with children round their necks
Talking business, books and records, art and sex
All things being considered, you'd call it a success
You wore your black dress
Post by: UK Redsox on March 19, 2025, 12:23:59 PM
I'd settle for this
https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/44290844/premier-league-projections-predictions-title-top-four-relegation-luis-miguel-echegaray
Quote
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
Post by: Drummond on March 19, 2025, 12:24:45 PM
And then the Champions League via our finish in the Premier League at Old Trafford the week after.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 19, 2025, 12:29:03 PM
Predictions from some bloke I've never heard of on ESPN
He's a Peruvian Villa fan who works for ESPN. He's also a big fan of Bad Bunny.
Post by: eye digress on March 30, 2025, 10:44:15 AM
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?
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 30, 2025, 11:10:02 AM
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?
Now is the time to go on a run.
Post by: eamonn on March 30, 2025, 11:12:32 AM
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 01, 2025, 08:13:14 PM
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 …
Post by: Smirker on April 01, 2025, 08:55:59 PM
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
Luis is a massive Villa fan. He's from Peru, lived in England at school (London) and moved to New York.
He goes to our games and is proper Villa.
Post by: Drummond on April 01, 2025, 09:29:15 PM
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 …
Replying to, and arguing with, yourself again.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 02, 2025, 07:47:35 AM
Post by: Pat Mustard on April 02, 2025, 09:16:46 AM
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 02, 2025, 05:48:28 PM
Games of relevance this midweek
above
4th Chelsea v Spurs
5th Man City v Leicester
6th Newcastle v Brentford
below
10th Bournemouth v Ipswich
all our rivals play at home
so it has to be MUST win and 3pts today by all accounts.
Emery will have made this very clear.
if we don’t win and 4th, 5th and 6th win as well as Brighton beating us and Bournemouth winning will go ahead it would be a disasters.
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 02, 2025, 09:26:04 PM
However it’s still a lot to as going above them they are only a point behind so have to make sure beat Forest!
And with Newcastle playing Leicester need to keep the momentum going.
UTV !!
Post by: brontebilly on April 02, 2025, 10:46:20 PM
2 from Chelsea, Newcastle, Man City and ourselves. Could do with Spurs getting a result tomorrow.
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 03, 2025, 02:02:30 PM
Games of relevance coming this weekend
above:
4th Man City 51pts Man Utd a
5th Newcastle 50pts Leicester a
6th Chelsea* 49pts Brentford a
7th Aston Villa 48pts
below
8th Brighton 47pts Crystal Palace a
9th Fulham 45pts Liverpool h
10th Bournemouth 44pts West Ham a
*chelsea to play Spurs this evening .
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 03, 2025, 02:19:45 PM
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.
But just taking teams above us their remaining matches vs top half teams are
4th Man City
Villa (h)
Bournemouth (h)
last game of season Fulham (a)
5th Newcastle
Villa (a)
Brighton (a)
Chelsea (h)
Arsenal (a)
last game of season Everton (h)
6th Chelsea
Fulham (a)
Newcastle (a)
Liverpool (h)
last match of the season Forest (a)
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 03, 2025, 02:22:39 PM
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.
Annoyingly Man City have the least difficult fixture run in for their remaining 8 matches. So a loss to Man Utd is really needed.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 03, 2025, 02:26:14 PM
Post by: aldridgeboy on April 03, 2025, 09:53:56 PM
Newcastle have a really tough run in. I think we finish ahead of them.
Post by: Mellin on April 03, 2025, 10:13:18 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 03, 2025, 10:26:18 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 03, 2025, 10:32:25 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 03, 2025, 10:34:18 PM
Post by: Villafirst on April 03, 2025, 10:39:38 PM
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.
Yes, agree. The Man City 115 charges decision seems to have gone quiet. The case was supposedly wrapped up months ago. Why the need for this excessive drawn out process?
Post by: Somniloquism on April 04, 2025, 12:12:53 AM
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.
City might being as they usually put a run together at the sharp end. But not seeing it from the others. Newcastle's game in hand is against Palace, which apart from one win last season when Palace had the really bad start to the season, is normally a close game that ends in a draw more then most. Chelsea look as knackered as we did last season.
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 04, 2025, 12:19:57 AM
Post by: Drummond on April 04, 2025, 12:45:14 AM
Top 5 will get Champs League. Current top 7 realistically have a chance incl us, ManC, Newcastle and Chelsea. (Top 10 will feel they have chance, ie incl Fulham, Brighton and Bournemouth).
Europa will go to Cup Winner, which is us, ManC, Bournemouth or Palace. If it's one of top 5 that win it (ie def not Palace but could be anyone else) then it goes to League placing, ie 6th.
Conference League is Newcastle, unless they finish Top 5/6 and get Champs or Europa and then it goes to 7th.
Arsenal, Us can still win Champions League.
ManU or Spurs could win Europa and qualify for Champs League.
Chelsea could win Europa Conference and qualify for Europa. If they also finished in a qualifying place for Europa (6th) via the league it would move to next team down?
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 04, 2025, 02:19:27 AM
1. Newcastle qualify for Champions League or Europa League so that the Conference League spot they earned by winning the League Cup is passed on to the league.
2. Chelsea finish in the exact position that would otherwise have earned said Conference League spot.
If we don't win a cup, and barring a very unlikely scenario of Arsenal winning the Champions League and finishing outside the top five and/or Man U/Tottenham winning the Europa League and finishing 5th, the lowest league spot that could qualify us for Europe would be 9th... if:
1. England gets additional Champions League spot (pretty much guaranteed)
2. The FA Cup winners finish in the top seven
3. Newcastle finish in the top seven
4. Chelsea finish eighth
5. Chelsea win Conference League
Not impossible but unlikely Chelsea drop that far. Realistic chance of 8th being good enough to qualify and 7th is more likely than not.
Post by: Drummond on April 04, 2025, 08:24:52 AM
Interesting permutations nonetheless.
Post by: Dave on April 04, 2025, 08:39:41 AM
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.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 04, 2025, 08:44:49 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 04, 2025, 09:08:30 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 04, 2025, 09:23:53 AM
Post by: DB on April 04, 2025, 09:31:48 AM
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.
That’s the opportunity though, beat those around us. We have already seen off Brighton, bring on The others….
Post by: Rigadon on April 04, 2025, 09:39:11 AM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 04, 2025, 10:15:31 AM
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.
No need to be greedy, I'd settle for draws away to PSG and Real Madrid.
Post by: VillaTim on April 04, 2025, 10:32:03 AM
Post by: Mellin on April 04, 2025, 10:52:49 AM
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.
Newcastle's a good point. I remember last season looking at Newcastle and United and thinking we'd be alright even if we shat the bed a little. It was only really Spurs who were a genuine threat.
We're in a similar position to the former two this year. Ultimately, I still think we have too much to do. 10% chance maybe. City points deduction would be most welcome. Only need one to wobble to catch them then. Two feels a stretch.
Post by: Dick Edwards on April 04, 2025, 10:58:01 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 04, 2025, 11:07:02 AM
i did watch Barcelona the other night and i know teams have off days but i really wasn't that impressed by them.
That was their third game in 6 days.
Post by: Smithy on April 04, 2025, 11:12:44 AM
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!"
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 04, 2025, 11:13:37 AM
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
Yes also do factor in Newcastle h vs Chelsea have to play 10th May .
Will play Bournemouth away that day but there will be dropped points for at least one of Newcastle and Chelsea then.
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 04, 2025, 11:16:31 AM
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!"
For 4th or 5th?
Despite Chelsea being 4th currently I do feel Man City should be taking 4th given their fixtures.
Only the game Sunday V Man Utd away and the game v Villa are two fixtures where they may drop points.
Chelsea away at Brentford could also see them drop points this weekend.
So it's a must win vs Forest this weekend.
Post by: eamonn on April 04, 2025, 11:17:06 AM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 04, 2025, 11:46:00 AM
Post by: LeeB on April 04, 2025, 11:52:16 AM
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.
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 04, 2025, 03:53:15 PM
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.
I think we’ll finish 5th rather than 4th
I think Villa looking around 63pts-65pts if not lose a game now -so where would that place us ?
Beating Newcastle and Man City give hope as takes points from them but have to better Chelsea , Man City and Newcastle results
I think 5th is more realistic and possible than 4th given circumstances
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 04, 2025, 03:59:01 PM
Man City I can see win them 6/8
Newcastle play Villa and have to win that match and then that should see us ahead of them if we aren’t already!
Once ahead of Newcastle then I trust us more than Chelsea to finish 5th.
Chelsea will have the european conference league distraction in contrast to our European and FA cup distractions .
To get 4th because of goal difference and only 8 games is very hard don’t you think?
Be very frustrating now if don’t get there so just have to keep winning games now and see what happens!
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 05, 2025, 02:47:24 PM
Now currently we have far more choice than Arsenal so those who get game time against Southampton like to think will step up.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 05, 2025, 07:30:27 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 05, 2025, 07:36:16 PM
Post by: Astnor on April 05, 2025, 07:43:43 PM
Post by: Astnor on April 05, 2025, 07:44:14 PM
Will be close.
Post by: rob_bridge on April 05, 2025, 07:45:15 PM
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.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 05, 2025, 07:47:32 PM
Post by: Rigadon on April 05, 2025, 08:01:31 PM
Post by: Smirker on April 05, 2025, 08:05:38 PM
Post by: Mellin on April 05, 2025, 08:07:59 PM
That'll go right up with a couple of favourable results tomorrow/Monday.
Post by: Dave on April 05, 2025, 08:11:47 PM
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.
I think it was around 8% a week ago. Every extra win will stick another 10% or so on it.
Post by: Mellin on April 05, 2025, 08:20:43 PM
Said a couple of weeks ago we'll see after Brighton and Forest. Well, we've won them both...and I haven't got a fucking clue. Starting to feel the faith though.
Post by: Mellin on April 05, 2025, 08:37:25 PM
Post by: Dave on April 05, 2025, 08:37:37 PM
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.
Post by: Mellin on April 05, 2025, 08:42:40 PM
Post by: Smithy on April 05, 2025, 08:43:59 PM
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!
Post by: paul_e on April 05, 2025, 08:44:57 PM
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.
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.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 05, 2025, 08:45:58 PM
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!
Even a one goal defeat in Paris would give us a chance in the 2nd leg. Dropping points to Soton would be a pisser though.
Post by: Dave on April 05, 2025, 08:49:18 PM
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.
Post by: paul_e on April 05, 2025, 08:50:17 PM
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!
Chelsea look like we did last year, I'd be surprised if they're in the mix with a couple to go, too many of their players look knackered or out of form.
Post by: paul_e on April 05, 2025, 08:51:13 PM
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.
Yep, most seasons I'd be confident about it but with the 3 shit teams at the bottom and only really Liverpool running away at the top there's a few more points up for grabs this year than normal.
Post by: Rigadon on April 06, 2025, 10:20:54 AM
Post by: dave.woodhall on April 06, 2025, 10:29:45 AM
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.
Post by: Dave on April 06, 2025, 12:16:26 PM
We still seem very capable of turning the euphoria of finishing in the top eight of the Champions League into a meek defeat to a Wolves side that had lost their last four league matches.
Or celebrating nine points out of nine in the Champions League and one of our best performances of the season against Bologna by not winning any of our next eight games.
If we lose on Wednesday I'm pretty sure we'll do Southampton comfortably. If we win or draw, I reckon Southampton will be at least one point closer to matching Derby's record.
Post by: Mellin on April 06, 2025, 01:32:28 PM
Post by: Smirker on April 06, 2025, 01:37:31 PM
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.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 06, 2025, 01:41:30 PM
Post by: Brend'Watkins on April 06, 2025, 01:45:26 PM
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.
So do I.
Every player is looking over their shoulder apart from Emi. If you are not 100% on it you are hooked. That’s incentive enough to keep being the best version of yourself in games.
We were discussing Ollie’s dip in form after the match. I had the feeling he has a bit of imposter syndrome on the pitch lately. He shouldn’t have but it’s what I see. We have a wealth of talent waiting for their chance. Being okay isn’t enough anymore.
Post by: Drummond on April 06, 2025, 03:40:53 PM
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.
Do we even know what full strength is? With 8 changes after beating Brighton (who were above us) away we then beat the team in 3rd.
I think we have a variety of options that are all good now and it means there's no first choice. Apart from Emi Martinez.
We have different teams for different opponents.
Post by: Mellin on April 06, 2025, 03:56:35 PM
Post by: Drummond on April 06, 2025, 04:03:37 PM
Kamara didn't start yesterday.
Tielemans plays pretty much every game, as does Rogers. But they don't have to. Barkley to me is the replacement for Tielemans. Asensio instead of Rogers (or as well as).
Post by: Mellin on April 06, 2025, 04:08:32 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 06, 2025, 04:18:40 PM
Post by: Dave on April 06, 2025, 04:40:21 PM
Chelsea result was kind, Plop wasn't but we should be looking up and not down the table anyway.
Yeah, if it turns out that Fulham finish top five and we don't, it'll be far more about what we've failed to do over what they've succeeded in doing.
Post by: Mellin on April 06, 2025, 06:31:47 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 06, 2025, 06:36:32 PM
Post by: Mellin on April 06, 2025, 06:38:29 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 06, 2025, 06:46:50 PM
Post by: enigma on April 06, 2025, 06:47:28 PM
Post by: SaddVillan on April 06, 2025, 07:04:20 PM
Liverpool 13 +22
Arsenal 9 +11
Forest 10 +6
Chelsea 10 +2
Man City 8 +1
VILLA 13
Toon 9 -1
Fulham 9 -3
Brighton 10 -4
Bournemth 2 -6
Palace 13 -8
Post by: VillaTim on April 06, 2025, 07:05:20 PM
Post by: SaddVillan on April 06, 2025, 07:16:59 PM
Palace form is pretty good. We need to be wary of them in the semi.
Very true VT.
Their last 6 league games
Everton H L
Fulham A W
Villa H W
Ipswich H W
Southampton A D
Brighton H W
You
Post by: Dave on April 06, 2025, 07:19:30 PM
Post by: DrGonzo on April 06, 2025, 07:26:09 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 06, 2025, 07:38:39 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on April 06, 2025, 07:39:28 PM
Post by: SaddVillan on April 06, 2025, 07:42:43 PM
Forest's injury free stats returning to the mean?
From The Athletic:
Nottingham Forest will monitor the fitness of Taiwo Awoniyi and Anthony Elanga after both sustained injuries.
Nuno Espirito Santo says the club are awaiting the results of a scan on Awoniyi, who missed Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa, while Elanga had to be withdrawn at half-time in the fixture after picking up a knock.
With Chris Wood recovering from a hip problem he sustained on international duty with New Zealand, Forest are short of options in the final third although they will hope that Wood is fit to face Everton next weekend.
They've been very fortunate thus far.
Post by: paul_e on April 06, 2025, 07:43:49 PM
Palace form is pretty good. We need to be wary of them in the semi.
The most important part of them being in good form is that they still have to play Man City, Newcastle and Forest. If they can keep up they could do us a lot of favours.
Post by: VillaTim on April 06, 2025, 07:47:38 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 07, 2025, 01:45:28 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 07, 2025, 02:10:46 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gn67HTOXwAA_gjE?format=jpg&name=medium)
Post by: Villan82 on April 07, 2025, 02:13:01 PM
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)
Would be some big movement there if Newcastle somehow failed to win tonight
Post by: darren woolley on April 07, 2025, 02:14:46 PM
Post by: Richard on April 07, 2025, 02:18:21 PM
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)
Man Citys percentage is especially high without Haaland and playing as crap as they did yesterday.
Post by: Toronto Villa on April 07, 2025, 02:19:31 PM
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.
Post by: Hookeysmith on April 07, 2025, 02:35:25 PM
So long as we qualify and neither Man U nor Tottenham do, I'll be happy enough.
Hear hear - and we have to hope and pray (if that is your thing) that the footballing masters see sense and fuck Man Shitty into oblivion for their cheating.
If the media then continue to suck up the "top 6" when they are no where near it - then we know the game is a rigged deck
Post by: Mellin on April 07, 2025, 02:37:31 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 07, 2025, 02:43:17 PM
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.
Forest at 83.5% seems about right (maybe even a little low) but having Citeh ahead of them on 85% seems well off.
Post by: jwarry on April 07, 2025, 04:38:20 PM
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.
Except they have to play us
Post by: Dave on April 07, 2025, 04:40:54 PM
Quote
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.
Post by: aldridgeboy on April 07, 2025, 07:08:10 PM
Post by: paul_e on April 07, 2025, 07:59:16 PM
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.
Post by: lennythekad on April 07, 2025, 08:24:25 PM
Post by: paul_e on April 07, 2025, 08:28:30 PM
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 think they need to face Spanish teams in all 3 finals as well.
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 07, 2025, 08:30:46 PM
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.
I think it needs to be one more defeat (or an Italian draw coupled with an English draw). Hopefully it won't be confirmed until after our game has finished.
I think the Spanish league could also secure the extra spot this week, which is bad news on the basis I like Bologna but good news on the basis that I also have a soft spot for Bilbao.
Post by: Rigadon on April 08, 2025, 09:02:14 AM
Post by: paul_e on April 08, 2025, 09:14:26 AM
It could easily come down to goals difference this year. Which isn't great for us!
It's always possible but rarely ever happens.
Post by: Rigadon on April 08, 2025, 09:42:47 AM
It could easily come down to goals difference this year. Which isn't great for us!
It's always possible but rarely ever happens.
Agreed, but looking at the table as it is today, you wouldn't rule it out this year!
Post by: Somniloquism on April 08, 2025, 10:36:44 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 08, 2025, 10:40:00 AM
Post by: aldridgeboy on April 08, 2025, 11:07:39 AM
(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.
Post by: LeeB on April 08, 2025, 11:12:46 AM
(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.
I've found myself ignoring who has who in upcoming fixtures at this stage of the season, you can drive yourself mad trying to work it out.
If we keep winning we'll qualify, if we cough up anymore cheap points we wont.
Post by: aldridgeboy on April 08, 2025, 11:26:51 AM
Relegated teams start to play with freedom ( hopefully not this weekend ) and the last day always throws up crazy results.
Post by: London Villan on April 08, 2025, 11:30:22 AM
Post by: LeeB on April 08, 2025, 11:36:01 AM
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.
I remember when we were circling the drain under Lambert watching Sunderland somehow win 2-0 at Everton despite getting battered all game, and thinking this isn't good for my health, being emotionally over-invested in one team's outcomes is quite enough.
Post by: TaxDodger on April 08, 2025, 11:38:36 AM
Post by: OCD on April 08, 2025, 11:46:49 AM
I think Chelsea and Man City are our biggest rivals. If our form is better than theirs, we can get 5th. I'm expecting Forest and Newcastle to finish above us. If 3-5 finishes as Forest, Newcastle, us and Chelsea/City have to make do with Europa League, that would be ideal.
Post by: Clampy on April 08, 2025, 12:09:02 PM
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.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 08, 2025, 12:13:39 PM
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.
Post by: LeeB on April 08, 2025, 12:15:01 PM
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.
Knowing us the single point would be at Southampton.
Post by: OCD on April 08, 2025, 12:18:56 PM
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.
64 points would have been enough for 5th place last season; 67 points for 4th. In fact, our goal difference was better than Spurs' by 2 so we could have finished on 66 points and still got 4th but I'd rather it not be such close margins. My nerves would be shredded.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 08, 2025, 12:27:19 PM
Newcastle have a tougher run in than us “ on paper “. Chelsea do as well.
I think we get 5th.
It'll be interesting to see who we're cheering for by the time Newcastle and Forest play Chelsea.
Post by: TaxDodger on April 08, 2025, 12:30:03 PM
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.
Well, yes. But I think we need 7-9 points from our next three games to remain in said mix.
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 08, 2025, 12:55:28 PM
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).
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 08, 2025, 01:40:53 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 08, 2025, 01:43:18 PM
Post by: AV82EC on April 08, 2025, 01:47:15 PM
Sorry, those are the official numbers.
Be more optimistic you miserable sod.
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 08, 2025, 01:50:19 PM
Post by: AV82EC on April 08, 2025, 01:54:24 PM
Wins against Southampton, Fulham and Tottenham, draws against Newcastle and Bournemouth and two defeats in Manchester, as usual, doesn't seem unreasonable.
As long as that’s with an 8th FA Cup and a 2nd European Cup you’re forgiven.
Also I think we’re going to win at Manchester Coty for the first time since Noah was a lad.
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 08, 2025, 01:55:17 PM
Post by: VancouverLion on April 08, 2025, 02:18:27 PM
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.
Post by: aldridgeboy on April 08, 2025, 03:04:09 PM
"Would you want to get a CL spot on the back of another team getting a point deduction though?"
Too bloody right I would
Post by: AV82EC on April 08, 2025, 03:27:41 PM
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
Hear hear. Those cheating bastards deserve every single bit of what’s coming to them. Will it be enough, probably not but I’ll be cheering whatever it is.
Post by: TaxDodger on April 08, 2025, 03:43:42 PM
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
Absolutely. Particularly if it's fucking Man City. Their cheating has involved them stealing our best players on four separate occasions. They owe us more than anybody.
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 08, 2025, 03:46:37 PM
I doubt it.
Post by: eamonn on April 08, 2025, 03:47:05 PM
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.
I think we have an extra night off before we play Newcastle (our return leg against PSG is next Tues while they play on the Weds) while the Citeh game is also now on a Tuesday with both teams having played the previous Sat.
Post by: Dick Edwards on April 08, 2025, 04:33:46 PM
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.
Post by: Dave on April 08, 2025, 04:35:16 PM
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.
His prediction with those results has us finishing seventh.
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 08, 2025, 06:19:01 PM
Because I will keep updating it after each set of results so eventually it ends up being correct by default.
Post by: Tuscans on April 08, 2025, 09:46:15 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 08, 2025, 10:38:54 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 08, 2025, 10:39:38 PM
So, yay.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 08, 2025, 10:40:39 PM
Although I suppose it does promote us from Conference League to Europa League if we don't win a trophy.
So, yay.
Unless Palace win the cup
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 09, 2025, 12:26:54 PM
Post by: Smirker on April 12, 2025, 04:59:00 PM
Post by: aldridgeboy on April 12, 2025, 05:04:38 PM
Hopefully the Forest implosion most though would come after Xmas ( Then Feb, then March etc) now comes.
Man City might still get points deduction
We keep getting result :)
Post by: Max Villan on April 12, 2025, 05:09:36 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 12, 2025, 05:26:45 PM
Post by: dave.woodhall on April 12, 2025, 05:27:11 PM
Post by: Chap on April 12, 2025, 05:28:46 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 12, 2025, 05:29:14 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 12, 2025, 06:24:06 PM
Post by: rob_bridge on April 12, 2025, 06:27:26 PM
We now need 12 from 6.
Next Saturday becomes bigger by the moment.
Post by: Mellin on April 12, 2025, 06:32:03 PM
Still need wins as we're technically behind. Next two games are just fucking massive.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 12, 2025, 06:35:56 PM
Next two games are just fucking massive.
4 points would be good, 6 would leave us in an excellent position. Not losing either game is key.
Post by: The Man With A Stick on April 12, 2025, 07:11:20 PM
Honestly think we'll take 4 points from the Man City / Saudi games and we'll be fine.
Post by: eamonn on April 12, 2025, 07:21:39 PM
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on April 12, 2025, 07:31:19 PM
Post by: algy on April 12, 2025, 07:34:57 PM
We've got McGinn, I just don't think our rivals understand. So, yes.He is Unai Emery’s man, of course
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 12, 2025, 07:42:55 PM
Post by: The Man With A Stick on April 12, 2025, 08:03:45 PM
Forest getting dragged back into it is big.
They've run out of steam by April, it's like MON is back in charge.
Post by: eamonn on April 12, 2025, 08:09:31 PM
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.
None of our remaining games are against bottom feeders though. Mind you, we owe Newcastle a 5-1 smacking or similar.
Post by: Dave on April 12, 2025, 08:37:55 PM
Quote
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
Bit annoying that it's those two in second and third, otherwise it feels like it would actually be a bit of a stroll.
Post by: hipkiss92 on April 12, 2025, 08:38:02 PM
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.
Post by: rob_bridge on April 12, 2025, 09:32:52 PM
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.
Chelsea includes home games v Saints, Leicester and Spurs and tomorrow Ipswich.
There next 4 are losses to Everton, Fulham, Liverpool and Newcastle.
Post by: Matt C on April 13, 2025, 03:19:26 AM
The annoyance is Citeh have found some form.
Post by: eye digress on April 13, 2025, 07:42:29 AM
Post by: Rigadon on April 13, 2025, 07:44:59 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 13, 2025, 07:49:24 AM
We've got McGinn, I just don't think our rivals understand. So, yes.He is Unai Emery’s man, of course
Not sure if you've heard but he's better than Zidane.
Post by: JJ-AV on April 13, 2025, 09:01:59 AM
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...
Post by: Rigadon on April 13, 2025, 09:53:07 AM
Post by: AV82EC on April 13, 2025, 10:12:11 AM
Post by: eye digress on April 13, 2025, 10:26:48 AM
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...
Post by: Rigadon on April 13, 2025, 10:27:31 AM
Post by: Clampy on April 13, 2025, 10:34:46 AM
Post by: Mellin on April 13, 2025, 10:53:13 AM
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.
Post by: Max Villan on April 13, 2025, 11:01:10 AM
Post by: SoccerHQ on April 13, 2025, 12:09:59 PM
We have taken at least a point from every single league and CL game from late August and that is over 20 games so no reason not to be confident on that.
Gets us to 61 points and then it is a case of getting two away wins.
I think 67 points will be enough. Go back two months and Bournemouth away would've been very difficult to win but they're now on their lovely beach having lost to Wolves and Ipswich recently so that should be easier to win than Brentford was.
I also have a feeling that is probably deluded but we're finally going to turn up in Manchester and play well this season. Man. City could be another Arsenal performance from the run in last season when we were brilliant second half. Everyone on here would take playing them in the run in without Rodri and Haaland around.
The main thing is we're ahead of Forest and Chelsea going into the final day as they play each other so would pretty much guarantee finishing above one of them and then it's a case of beating Man. United at Old Trafford to make CL....easy peasey based on their general home record this year....o.k perhaps not!
They might be in the Europa league final which would be the Wednesday before so that would impact their team selection.
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on April 13, 2025, 12:45:17 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 13, 2025, 12:55:27 PM
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.
Maybe people were looking at our league position rather than the small number of points we needed to make up, which I thought was an overly pessimistic way of viewing things. A bit like how people wrote off our chances last season while failing to realise that Spurs were nailed on to lose most of their games.
Post by: Dave on April 13, 2025, 01:17:34 PM
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.
Yup.
It's gone from "very unlikely" shortly after the Palace game, and as each win is ticked off the scales move.
Right now I reckon we're sitting somewhere around "quite possible" on that scale. Beat Newcastle on Saturday and it'll move to "a really good chance". Beat Man City and we'll be up to "quite likely".
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 13, 2025, 01:23:50 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 13, 2025, 01:38:20 PM
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.
In a period of 6 wins, 5 draws (including 2 v Arse and Liverpool) and 3 defeats though.
Post by: Steve67 on April 13, 2025, 01:49:09 PM
Post by: AV82EC on April 13, 2025, 01:50:03 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 13, 2025, 01:52:01 PM
Post by: Clampy on April 13, 2025, 02:25:22 PM
Post by: DrGonzo on April 13, 2025, 02:35:35 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 13, 2025, 02:46:42 PM
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.
Even that’s a bit negative, using only league games as a measure of our actual form.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 13, 2025, 02:49:29 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 13, 2025, 03:37:36 PM
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.
But shrinking a sample size and dismissing CL and FA Cup victories as not part of our form is, I dunno, unnecessarily negative if you’re after the exact word.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 13, 2025, 03:37:50 PM
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!!
The flipside of that though if we do get positive results it does much more damage. Also those teams were playing are under pressure.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 13, 2025, 03:40:31 PM
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.
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 13, 2025, 03:43:27 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 13, 2025, 03:45:31 PM
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.
Keep replying? I replied to one about that, and one pointing out that you had shrunk the sample size to make out we were worse than we actually were.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 13, 2025, 03:47:11 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on April 13, 2025, 03:49:27 PM
We were well on course to qualify before PWS jinxed us.
"Exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin." Daryl 3:12–14.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 13, 2025, 03:54:51 PM
So replying to every post i've made. We got there in the end as well.
I haven’t replied to every post you’ve made, and furthermore you can’t massage those statistics in your desperate crusade to be always right.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 13, 2025, 03:58:50 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 13, 2025, 03:59:40 PM
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.
You said ‘every post you’ve made’. Wrong. We got there in the end.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 13, 2025, 04:01:30 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 13, 2025, 04:06:14 PM
Well most people have the intelligence to know what I meant, some are sad enough to try score a point on the internet though.
We got there in the end. By the way, I replied to Clampy first before you piped up.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 13, 2025, 04:07:35 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on April 13, 2025, 04:09:44 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 13, 2025, 04:12:07 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 13, 2025, 04:14:33 PM
I think we've know you're sad for quite a while. Don't forget to add this to your spreadsheet for extra points.
Sigh. Getting personal again. We often get there in the end with you.
I’ll try not to discuss anything or disagree with you again, I know you don’t like it.
Post by: olaftab on April 13, 2025, 04:19:40 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 13, 2025, 04:34:13 PM
Post by: adrenachrome on April 13, 2025, 05:27:48 PM
Post by: rob_bridge on April 13, 2025, 05:29:02 PM
Next two games are crucial. Don't lose any and we are in.
I'd agree with this - win either one of them or draw both will be put us a box seat.
The reason after Palace game I thought we'd struggle was because we had 42 points from 28 games and thought we'd need 65 points to qualify (66 due to goal difference).
I though we'd be on 49 by now so too far off. Now I think we need 12 from 6 games.
Momentum is with us, Cit-eh and Toon. Alas they are our next 2 games.
Post by: Richard on April 13, 2025, 06:03:39 PM
Post by: aj2k77 on April 13, 2025, 06:05:25 PM
Post by: itbrvilla on April 13, 2025, 06:07:39 PM
Think we'll finish 5th behind Newcastle and Man City. Chelsea 6th, Forest 7th.That's my feeling.
Post by: eamonn on April 13, 2025, 06:45:21 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 13, 2025, 07:01:19 PM
I think Newcastle have the easiest run in.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 13, 2025, 07:30:15 PM
Post by: eamonn on April 13, 2025, 08:25:03 PM
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.
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 14, 2025, 10:02:25 AM
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.
Post by: Dave on April 14, 2025, 10:08:17 AM
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
Post by: Dave on April 14, 2025, 10:10:57 AM
I'd feel very confident if I were a Man City fan.
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 14, 2025, 10:26:52 AM
Post by: Dave on April 14, 2025, 11:22:21 AM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Goe-DJSWwAAn180?format=jpg)
And looking at the run-ins above, while everyone involved has the ability to screw it up, it does feel a bit like Newcastle + Man City + one of us, Forest and Chelsea. If we beat Newcastle and Forest lose to Spurs though, I reckon we'd quickly become big favourites.
Post by: OCD on April 14, 2025, 11:24:59 AM
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.
Post by: itbrvilla on April 14, 2025, 11:28:31 AM
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.
Post by: Drummond on April 14, 2025, 11:30:49 AM
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.
Newcastle and us are the form teams winning the last 4 games, they have to play Chelsea though and Arse away.
ManC have their two trickiest up next.
Forest have a relatively easy run I think, though them against Chelsea could be really interesting on the final day.
Chelsea are key to a lot, having to play Newcastle and Forest but also having Everton and Liverpool in their run in.
I'm not particularly enamoured with having to go to Old Trafford on the final day needing a result, though it would be extremely sweet getting a win there to clinch a Champions League spot and leaving them down near the foot.
Post by: SoccerHQ on April 14, 2025, 11:49:29 AM
So it would help us if they don't win any of Spurs, Palace or West Ham.
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.
They'll be feeling the pressure now certainly and are limping to the line in similar manner to us last season. We only had to fend off Spurs 12 months ago.
Post by: Rigadon on April 14, 2025, 11:52:56 AM
If I were into gambling I’d be back Newcastle and the Villa.
Post by: OCD on April 14, 2025, 11:59:55 AM
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.
Brentford have been really good away from home since January.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 14, 2025, 12:02:28 PM
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.
Post by: eamonn on April 14, 2025, 12:41:49 PM
Post by: Drummond on April 14, 2025, 12:46:47 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 14, 2025, 12:48:10 PM
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.
Aside from the games involving Soton, Leicester, Ipswich and Man U at home, I'd say there's a decent chance of dropped points in almost all of the remaining fixtures (including ours).
Post by: pauliewalnuts on April 14, 2025, 12:50:49 PM
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 against
Post by: SoccerHQ on April 14, 2025, 12:53:10 PM
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.
I think that's just down to Newcastle having four home games left, everyone else has three.
Post by: Rigadon on April 14, 2025, 12:58:04 PM
It's a massive game next Saturday, for both clubs.
Post by: LeeB on April 14, 2025, 01:02:06 PM
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.
Ryan Yates alone should address such sentiment.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 14, 2025, 01:11:00 PM
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.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 14, 2025, 01:12:16 PM
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.
You bloody know they’ll turn up against us on the last game of the season though.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 14, 2025, 01:15:16 PM
Post by: Holte L2 on April 14, 2025, 01:18:36 PM
3. Man City 70 points
4. Newcastle 67points
5. Villa 66 points
6. Chelsea 64 points
7. Forest 63 points
Post by: Somniloquism on April 14, 2025, 01:24:30 PM
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.
Post by: LeeB on April 14, 2025, 01:38:06 PM
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.
We need to go back to that game season before last when they tried to press us and we just chipped it over them to McGinn instead and murdered them.
It's mad that they've given us some drubbings yet that game was the most one-sided of the lot.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 14, 2025, 01:48:25 PM
Post by: eamonn on April 14, 2025, 01:53:22 PM
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.
So you don't think we'll beat them?
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 14, 2025, 01:56:12 PM
Post by: paul_e on April 14, 2025, 02:41:17 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 14, 2025, 02:45:21 PM
Post by: London Villan on April 14, 2025, 04:41:07 PM
Post by: eamonn on April 14, 2025, 06:35:28 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 14, 2025, 07:13:48 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 14, 2025, 07:25:10 PM
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.
Post by: Dave on April 14, 2025, 07:25:32 PM
Can't imagine it'll be something we're singing songs about in twenty years time or anything though.
Post by: dave.woodhall on April 14, 2025, 07:29:01 PM
Post by: London Villan on April 14, 2025, 07:32:04 PM
Post by: saunders_heroes on April 14, 2025, 07:48:35 PM
Post by: paul_e on April 14, 2025, 07:49:10 PM
Post by: VillaTim on April 14, 2025, 07:51:43 PM
Post by: DB on April 14, 2025, 08:08:24 PM
Post by: Grande Pablo on April 14, 2025, 08:23:15 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 14, 2025, 09:57:37 PM
So I'd just like to say that Citeh and Newcastle are both looking good and will surely qualify for the CL.
Post by: Flamingo Lane on April 14, 2025, 10:21:13 PM
Post by: Dave P on April 14, 2025, 10:29:56 PM
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?
Yes provided Palace don’t win the cup
Post by: Mellin on April 14, 2025, 10:37:34 PM
Post by: eye digress on April 14, 2025, 10:52:10 PM
A defeat wouldn't be fatal to the Jaudis though, and I'd expect them to have enough in the tank to finish top 5 regardless.
To my eyes, Citeh's run-in looks a grade easier than the others which, if you factor in their upturn in form, should see home.
There's a whiff of doubt emanating from Forest, even from their manager. As others have said, they remind me of us last year, to a degree, but even more so Leicester 2020 (when it all went awry in the last clutch of games). I think they've finally hit a wall.
Chelsea are in poor form and are mutinous, the fans having fallen out with the coach. It's momentum of sorts, just not the sort you'd want. I don't see the belief in them.
As for us, we simply had to have a purple patch at some point in the season. I actually think our run-in is really hard. But does that really matter when you have the bit between your teeth and the kind of squad depth we do?
Even a kicking from PSG doesn't look like it would dampen our spirits, with the cup.semi on the horizon.
UTV!
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 15, 2025, 08:48:43 AM
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).
Updated after the weekend's results. We are still seventh but a little closer to Chelsea and Forest, and little further away from Brighton. I've also added Brentford as I noticed I missed them off last time.
2. Arsenal 75
3. Man City 71
4. Newcastle 69
5. Chelsea 68
6. Forest 63
7. Villa 62
8. Brighton 59
9. Fulham 56
10. Brentford 55
11. Bournemouth 54
12. Palace 53
Post by: aj2k77 on April 15, 2025, 09:07:38 AM
Post by: Rigadon on April 15, 2025, 09:34:55 AM
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.
Nicely put. It's a possible advantage, so long as he doesn't get into our heads, which he very clearly will try to do. The massive twat.
Post by: Flamingo Lane on April 15, 2025, 10:02:04 AM
Post by: PeterWithe on April 15, 2025, 10:08:10 AM
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
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 15, 2025, 12:11:08 PM
Post by: paul_e on April 15, 2025, 12:24:06 PM
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
Even without that he's always been a massive twat.
Post by: Hookeysmith on April 15, 2025, 01:53:23 PM
We really need to stand up to the likes of Joelinton, Burn and Bruno who really like to bully teams.
Post by: Dave on April 15, 2025, 02:03:24 PM
We really need to stand up to the likes of Joelinton, Burn and Bruno who really like to bully teams.
Definitely feels like an Onana, McGinn and Mings type game.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 15, 2025, 10:46:26 PM
Post by: Hillbilly on April 15, 2025, 10:58:47 PM
Post by: Smirker on April 15, 2025, 11:00:44 PM
It is imperative we make top 5. We have to be on that stage.
We will 8)
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on April 15, 2025, 11:17:20 PM
Chelsea will crumble cus they’re pathetic.
Post by: LeeB on April 15, 2025, 11:21:59 PM
It is imperative we make top 5. We have to be on that stage.
Yep.
Post by: andyh on April 15, 2025, 11:35:10 PM
Post by: tomd2103 on April 16, 2025, 12:39:22 AM
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 16, 2025, 12:49:09 AM
Post by: tomd2103 on April 16, 2025, 12:52:55 AM
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.
There are two weeks after the CL semi-finals where it could have been fitted in aren't there?
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 16, 2025, 01:01:12 AM
Post by: tomd2103 on April 16, 2025, 10:22:27 AM
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.
Now means we've got to play three potentially season defining games in the space of a week though.
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 16, 2025, 10:23:23 AM
There just aren't very many free dates any more.
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on April 16, 2025, 10:28:58 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 16, 2025, 10:31:30 AM
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 16, 2025, 10:32:03 AM
Post by: DB on April 16, 2025, 10:36:40 AM
Forrest hopefully are choking too.
Newcastle are looking good.
If we can play like last night, then we can get 5th, just hope they can go again with that same intensity on Sat and next week.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 16, 2025, 10:37:19 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 16, 2025, 10:55:35 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 16, 2025, 10:57:53 AM
Post by: usav on April 16, 2025, 12:46:56 PM
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
There will be heavy rotation in the next 2 games - there has to be.
Appalling schedule for us, really unlucky. We could be out of two competitions and off the pace for a CL spot. Meanwhile, the French and other countries move games to help their teams.
Post by: Dave on April 16, 2025, 12:50:31 PM
Post by: London Villan on April 16, 2025, 01:16:02 PM
Post by: Drummond on April 16, 2025, 02:20:57 PM
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.
Post by: Mellin on April 16, 2025, 03:07:41 PM
Somehow need to keep moving forward.
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 16, 2025, 04:00:26 PM
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?
Post by: Drummond on April 16, 2025, 04:17:32 PM
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?
Err, royal death,,,
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 16, 2025, 04:23:08 PM
Post by: garyellis on April 16, 2025, 09:50:21 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 16, 2025, 10:50:19 PM
Fairly clear now we need to be above Forest and Chelsea for top 5.
I don't think we can look at it that way. We need to beat Newcastle, get within 2 points of them, and hope they come a cropper in their 4 games after Ipswich.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on April 16, 2025, 10:56:32 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 16, 2025, 11:03:07 PM
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.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 17, 2025, 12:12:29 AM
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.
Just give them a points deduction FFS!
Post by: Smirker on April 17, 2025, 12:42:02 AM
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.
Post by: garyellis on April 17, 2025, 09:23:31 AM
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.
Post by: Ads on April 17, 2025, 09:33:36 AM
Post by: Dave on April 17, 2025, 09:34:44 AM
Quote
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.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 17, 2025, 09:45:38 AM
Post by: Rigadon on April 17, 2025, 09:47:36 AM
Post by: paul_e on April 17, 2025, 10:40:12 AM
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.
Post by: Jockey Randall on April 17, 2025, 10:59:45 AM
I would say we need 3 wins and a draw minimum out of our last six:
Newcastle (H)
Man City (A)
Fulham (H)
Bournemouth (A)
Spurs (H)
Man U (A)
If we get that and get to 64 the question then becomes is do Forest have enough left in the tank to pick up 2 wins and a draw out of:
Spurs (A)
Brentford (H)
Palace (A)
Leicester (H)
West Ham (A)
Chelsea (H)
Every point is crucial now, I'm hoping they look back on not defending well against the counter in the last minute v Everton as a serious mistake.
Post by: LeeB on April 17, 2025, 11:07:34 AM
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.
Any consideration of earlier season results regarding us is misplaced as our squad is outrageously stronger than it was then.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 17, 2025, 11:08:52 AM
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.
They mention current form of us and Newcastle, but it is a one liner compared to the others with tables showing. They are right though that our GD might well be our downfall so we probably HAVE to win all our games, or at least win five including the city one and hope they drop a further 2 points.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 17, 2025, 11:09:14 AM
ATM I think our best bet is hoping Citeh drop points away to Everton (while we get a result against Newcastle) and then beat them next week.
Post by: Rigadon on April 17, 2025, 11:17:43 AM
Post by: OCD on April 17, 2025, 12:17:57 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 17, 2025, 12:43:05 PM
Another problem with using previous results is that it ignores squeaky bum time pressure. I back us and Newcastle
With Newcastle pushing over Palace, I think they are the shoo-in for third, even if they lose to us.
Something else to take into consideration is if we get to the final and Spurs are still in Europa, we will have to play them midweek before the final. If they are out we can play them midweek after. I'm sure our potential opponents will definitely move their league matches until after the final but that adds some randomness to the league placings as well.
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on April 17, 2025, 12:51:48 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 17, 2025, 12:58:29 PM
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?
As I hinted at, if Spurs are still in it AND we are in the final, we have to play Spurs mid-week before the final. So whilst it will probably mean Maate is still in charge, it also means we have a distracting match before the final, where either of our opponents might leave theirs until afterwards.
Man U would have already played the final so no real distraction, although if they win it they might not have stopped celebrating.
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 17, 2025, 01:01:24 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 17, 2025, 01:07:44 PM
Post by: Ger Regan on April 17, 2025, 01:26:05 PM
Post by: Beard82 on April 17, 2025, 01:26:30 PM
Post by: Beard82 on April 17, 2025, 01:28:54 PM
Post by: Dick Edwards on April 17, 2025, 02:04:07 PM
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.
Post by: brontebilly on April 17, 2025, 02:23:11 PM
Another problem with using previous results is that it ignores squeaky bum time pressure. I back us and Newcastle
From memory Leicester under Rodgers bottled two similar situations to what Forest are in now. A lot of pressure on them to perform v Spurs. Spurs have nothing to play for under a manager surely gone in the summer. They need to score first.
Post by: Dave on April 17, 2025, 02:29:12 PM
Reckon they'd assume they'd blown it in those circumstances.
Post by: LeeB on April 17, 2025, 02:34:00 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 17, 2025, 03:15:15 PM
I think it’s too much though - I’m hoping for 6th and an FA cup win
Surely you’re hoping for 5th and FA Cup.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 19, 2025, 07:34:04 PM
Post by: PhilVill on April 19, 2025, 07:37:50 PM
Post by: Smirker on April 19, 2025, 07:40:17 PM
Hell yes. 3rd is on, never mind 5th.
Could get 2nd.
Post by: DB on April 19, 2025, 07:48:38 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 19, 2025, 07:53:24 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 19, 2025, 07:58:10 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Go61XGgWkAAVCZK?format=png&name=900x900)
Post by: maidstonevillain on April 19, 2025, 08:11:33 PM
Newcastle and Chelsea have to play each other.
Chelsea and Forest have to play each other.
Forest and Chelsea are out of form.
I would put us at 60%. And I'm a natural Villa pessimist.
Post by: astonvilla82 on April 19, 2025, 08:15:47 PM
Come on Fulham, Ipswich and Spurs!!!Fulham got a possibility of a European spot?
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 19, 2025, 08:16:19 PM
Very lazy analysis.
I would put us at 60%. And I'm a natural Villa pessimist.
Better?
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Go6yUwFW4AATSpg?format=jpg&name=900x900)
Post by: Mellin on April 19, 2025, 08:31:32 PM
The Football Rankings lads now give us a 39% chance.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Go61XGgWkAAVCZK?format=png&name=900x900)
Beat City and that's breaking 50% for the first time since September.
Post by: Dave on April 19, 2025, 08:36:09 PM
Post by: eamonn on April 19, 2025, 08:47:29 PM
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.
Bradley Johnson grabbing the winner and cupping his ear with a shit-eating grin to his old fans, will do.
Post by: Mellin on April 19, 2025, 08:53:46 PM
We manage to win Tuesday and we're well into favourite territory.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 19, 2025, 09:02:08 PM
Wonder what the remaining fixtures average league placing thing looks like now? Once we've played City ours will be through the floor.
Dave posted them a couple of days ago (from F365).
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
Post by: Mellin on April 19, 2025, 09:04:36 PM
Win on Tuesday and we'll do it.
Post by: rob_bridge on April 19, 2025, 09:09:02 PM
We probably in fact need 25 (67 in total due to GD).
So 10 from the last 5 in my opinion will be enough.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 19, 2025, 10:33:40 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 20, 2025, 06:55:47 AM
I do fear a bit for Tuesday but even if it doesn't go our way we've still got plenty of opportunities to pick up the points we need.
Post by: OCD on April 20, 2025, 07:01:43 AM
Post by: Smithy on April 20, 2025, 10:23:20 AM
Last year we had no options, its was the same team almost week in week out, no rotation without weakening the side. We looked tired. This year feels so different. We look strong, and hungry. Players are itching to take their chance when it arrives.
Just compare the benches to that Bournemouth game this time last year, and ours yesterday.
Vs Bournemouth 21st April 2024
Olsen
Diego Carlos
Chambers
Lenglet
Kesler-Hayden
Munroe
Iroegbunam
Kellyman
Duran
Vs Newcastle yesterday
Olsen
Barkley
Digne
Disasi
Garcia
Malen
Onana
Ramsey
Rashford
The difference is night and day. We should be able to put in a solid performance in every game from now until the end of the season, regardless of how much we rotate. An exciting few weeks ahead!
Post by: eamonn on April 20, 2025, 10:33:50 AM
Post by: Mellin on April 20, 2025, 10:51:39 AM
Newcastle 4th, Man City 5th, Chelsea 11th and Forest 13th. Keep going, boys. Nearly turned it 😎🫡
Post by: eye digress on April 20, 2025, 10:54:27 AM
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).
This season, we started actually stronger than I imagined, on the back of a weak end to the season before, but then faded at the CL took its toll, despite a broadly stronger squad.
The unknown this season, at least until now, was whether we would be able to kick on as the season drew to a close. Our transfer business in January saw to that.
Nothing yet achieved however, we still need to learn to be champions. So I will refrain from doffing my cap to the management just yet...
Post by: paul_e on April 20, 2025, 11:07:27 AM
With a full squad to pick from we're excellent but for most of 2024 we had 5-6 players out every game and until recently we didn't have enough quality in depth to deal with that.
Post by: DB on April 20, 2025, 11:19:35 AM
Bring it on.
Post by: Dave on April 20, 2025, 11:56:04 AM
Safe to say they don't think they're in the running anymore.
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on April 20, 2025, 12:08:54 PM
Post by: Clampy on April 20, 2025, 12:10:21 PM
We could finish 2nd the way we’re going.
I thought that earlier although it's a shame Arsenal have Ipswich today.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 20, 2025, 12:13:39 PM
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.
I believed back at the start of the season and even more now that Emery didn't want us so tired at the business end as what happened in 2023/24. So we pretty much did just enough in a lot of matches. We had some blips when injuries came in but it is definitely paying off now.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 20, 2025, 12:33:17 PM
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.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 20, 2025, 12:52:22 PM
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.
Indeed.
Post by: colin69 on April 20, 2025, 01:26:27 PM
Post by: Hookeysmith on April 20, 2025, 01:31:09 PM
Champions League is brilliant for the atmosphere and the financial health of the club but a trophy stamps in history how good this team has been.
Next season is really think we could challenge for the title.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 20, 2025, 01:34:22 PM
Post by: eamonn on April 20, 2025, 03:59:07 PM
Post by: AV82EC on April 20, 2025, 03:59:33 PM
If we beat Palace in the cup semi-final do we know which midweek our game at home to Spurs will be?
Depends if they get to the Europa League final.
Post by: rob_bridge on April 20, 2025, 03:59:54 PM
If we beat Palace in the cup semi-final do we know which midweek our game at home to Spurs will be?
Depends on them in Europe too I assume?
Post by: Toronto Villa on April 20, 2025, 04:00:56 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 20, 2025, 04:14:10 PM
Post by: eamonn on April 20, 2025, 04:23:05 PM
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.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 20, 2025, 04:31:06 PM
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.
I suspected it would be like this, and said so at the start of the season. I thought we’d be out of the CL earlier and then go on a 22/23 style run-in. We’ve done it (so far) while getting to the CL quarter-final, which is an excellent effort.
Post by: Dave on April 20, 2025, 05:21:22 PM
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.
Post by: eamonn on April 20, 2025, 06:08:06 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 20, 2025, 06:38:48 PM
Post by: Clampy on April 20, 2025, 06:47:38 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 20, 2025, 06:50:10 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on April 20, 2025, 07:19:42 PM
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.
That’s a nice and all, but could any of their players do it on a cold night in Yerevan?
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 20, 2025, 09:39:28 PM
Post by: walsall villain on April 20, 2025, 09:43:35 PM
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.
Post by: VillaTim on April 20, 2025, 10:04:53 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 20, 2025, 10:12:20 PM
Post by: AV82EC on April 20, 2025, 10:39:59 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 21, 2025, 06:59:09 AM
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.
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.
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on April 21, 2025, 08:46:36 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 21, 2025, 08:50:46 AM
Also worth noting that we were 10th and now we are very unlikely to finish below 7th.
That's a good way of looking at it. We're almost certainly getting European football for a third season running. Glass half full.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 21, 2025, 08:52:50 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 21, 2025, 09:05:56 AM
(https://i.ibb.co/23XVzHSH/RDT-20250421-0900081299980038856682372.png) (https://ibb.co/23XVzHSH)
This was the table after the Palace match
Post by: Mellin on April 21, 2025, 09:11:05 AM
Villa = Man City
Bournemouth = Bournemouth
Fulham = Fulham
Wolves = Man United
Southampton < Spurs
I think we DID have the toughest run in, but we've beaten third twice, as well as Brighton and Brentford away. We have one of the easiest now...once Man City are out the way. If we win that this is happening. Lose and we probably need four wins.
Post by: Mellin on April 21, 2025, 09:13:43 AM
(https://i.ibb.co/23XVzHSH/RDT-20250421-0900081299980038856682372.png) (https://ibb.co/23XVzHSH)
This was the table after the Palace match
To turn that around in five games is mental.
Post by: Clampy on April 21, 2025, 09:17:41 AM
Post by: Mellin on April 21, 2025, 09:20:03 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 21, 2025, 09:30:03 AM
Post by: Clampy on April 21, 2025, 09:44:45 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 21, 2025, 10:08:55 AM
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.
I just hope we do it.
Post by: TopDeck113 on April 21, 2025, 10:12:23 AM
Chelsea's run-in looks the most difficult. Hopefully, they'll draw with Forest and Newcastle and lose at least one of their home games. Newcastle's most likely defeat will be at Arsenal.
A couple of months ago I could have seen Forest winning all their remaining fixtures, but now I reckon they'll be like us a year ago and drop points all over, especially if they have a Cup semi-final hangover.
Post by: aj2k77 on April 21, 2025, 10:57:48 AM
Post by: aj2k77 on April 21, 2025, 11:00:28 AM
Post by: eamonn on April 21, 2025, 12:00:48 PM
Post by: Astnor on April 21, 2025, 12:01:34 PM
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.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 21, 2025, 05:45:03 PM
Hard to argue with any of it.
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 21, 2025, 09:47:04 PM
2. Arsenal 75 points
3. Man City 73
4. Chelsea 70
5. Newcastle 68
6. Forest 65
7. Villa 64
8. Brighton 59
9. Bournemouth 55
10. Brentford 55
11. Fulham 55
12. Palace 51
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on April 21, 2025, 09:48:41 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 21, 2025, 09:53:04 PM
Post by: BoVillan esq on April 21, 2025, 09:57:09 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 21, 2025, 09:57:44 PM
Post by: Villafirst on April 21, 2025, 10:03:05 PM
Post by: AV82EC on April 21, 2025, 10:03:56 PM
Post by: itbrvilla on April 21, 2025, 10:06:42 PM
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...
Post by: Villan82 on April 21, 2025, 10:10:21 PM
First season in a while where I find myself looking back at certain games and wondering.
We have an awful lot to do despite the upturn in form.
Never rely on Spurs
Post by: Somniloquism on April 21, 2025, 10:11:05 PM
Post by: danno on April 21, 2025, 10:12:30 PM
Post by: Villan82 on April 21, 2025, 10:15:12 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 21, 2025, 10:16:33 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 21, 2025, 10:20:49 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 21, 2025, 10:21:17 PM
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.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 21, 2025, 10:23:09 PM
Teams above us will drop points.
That is certain. Like I say, it’s in our hands. If we win all 5 we’re there. Tomorrow is crucial.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 21, 2025, 10:28:50 PM
Post by: Villafirst on April 21, 2025, 10:31:25 PM
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...
The ref won that for Forest. Rogers was denied a certain penalty in the first half and Cash was fouled for their second goal.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 21, 2025, 10:32:19 PM
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.
But don't look back in anger., Don't look back in anger," I heard you say.....
Post by: Villafirst on April 21, 2025, 10:35:33 PM
Post by: eamonn on April 21, 2025, 10:59:57 PM
It'll be so wank if it comes down to goal difference.
Post by: Mellin on April 21, 2025, 11:05:27 PM
Post by: lovejoy on April 22, 2025, 07:14:56 AM
Post by: RamboandBruno on April 22, 2025, 07:19:56 AM
All our remaining fixtures after tonight are winnable, but seems like a huge ask to win all our remaining fixtures after the run we’ve already had, would that be the best winning run in our history??
I have a feeling it’ll come down to having to beat Man Utd away on the last day. .
Post by: claret+blue ed on April 22, 2025, 07:51:47 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 22, 2025, 08:10:27 AM
It would be nice if Man City's case decision was announced so we knew if they was getting any punishment
I've just seen a pig flying by
Post by: Dave on April 22, 2025, 08:27:09 AM
Post by: London Villan on April 22, 2025, 09:03:14 AM
Post by: Drummond on April 22, 2025, 09:06:32 AM
Think whatever happens it won't have any impact on this season, given they'll appeal regardless of the punishment.
I don't think they'll appeal, that's what this whole negotiation process is at the moment, so the Premier League agree the sanction with them.
I reckon if they finish outside the Top 5 they will be keen for a points deduction this season.
They'll get about 30 points so just enough not to be relegated.
Post by: Dave on April 22, 2025, 09:09:45 AM
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.
It is, and I agree with your logic. It just feels like if that's what's going to happen (and the cynical reasons that you suggest), they'd have done it by now.
i.e all parties are happy-ish, Man City take the relatively small hit in the context of a bad season, don't appeal and everyone just draws a line under it - does that probably not see it announced last month because there isn't a reason to drag it out any further?
Post by: Rigadon on April 22, 2025, 09:15:33 AM
Post by: Dave on April 22, 2025, 09:21:48 AM
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?
Post by: LeeB on April 22, 2025, 10:08:59 AM
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.
Post by: Dave on April 22, 2025, 10:12:02 AM
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.
Also the massive splurge in January / tie Haaland to a longer contract in the expectation that they wouldn't be able to do that sort of things next season.
Post by: London Villan on April 22, 2025, 11:18:32 AM
10 points from the last 5 games would be enough I think...
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 22, 2025, 11:23:56 AM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 22, 2025, 11:25:24 AM
Post by: Dave on April 22, 2025, 11:32:31 AM
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 22, 2025, 11:33:48 AM
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on April 22, 2025, 12:07:19 PM
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.
After tonight, the away trip to Bournemouth looks our only real banana skin. We will have to win all our remaining games though.
Post by: Dave on April 22, 2025, 12:13:07 PM
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.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 22, 2025, 12:13:42 PM
Post by: Rigadon on April 22, 2025, 12:14:37 PM
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 should've been clearer in that I meant the fall out on other teams - was thinking of things like lost prize money for finishing a place lower because of them being punished, or fixtures being played post-punishment being less intensely fought etc. I think the PL will probably go for the easiest, cleanest option, which I would think is everyone starting the season knowing the drill. Or, more probably, they'll just get a fine.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 22, 2025, 12:20:16 PM
Post by: eamonn on April 22, 2025, 12:24:57 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 22, 2025, 12:25:43 PM
Is the Chelsea-Forest game the only remaining head-to-head between all five competitors ?
Well ours tonight but Chelsea also have to play Newcastle at some point as well.
Post by: Ozzjim on April 22, 2025, 02:22:48 PM
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.
Post by: jon collett on April 22, 2025, 02:30:03 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 22, 2025, 02:33:14 PM
Post by: Dave on April 22, 2025, 02:42:13 PM
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 twelve from the last five would see us get there pretty comfortably actually. While all five teams are good(ish), I think everyone drops points stupidly somewhere, regardless of how easy their matches look.
Leicester beating Forest feels like the sort of silly result that would happen in a local derby. Chelsea also beat Forest on the last day even though they've lost a couple and are out of it by then. We concede a late equaliser against Fulham having controlled the game (a re-run of the Bournemouth home game) and stupidly capitulate to an awful Man Utd on the last day.
That kind of thing.
Post by: LeeB on April 22, 2025, 02:44:09 PM
Post by: RamboandBruno on April 22, 2025, 02:55:05 PM
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
You want the champions league’ malarky.
But I think your right Lee, batter Newcastle and beat Man City in the space of three days, no fecker is getting near us.
Post by: Smithy on April 22, 2025, 03:10:43 PM
Tonight is really important. I don't think we need to win it (though we're definitely capable of doing so), but lose it, and I think we'll struggle to get the 5 more points required in the last 4 games to finish above City. Which then leaves us trying to finish ahead of two of the other three.
As others have said, win tonight, and I'll start feeling confident we can do it.
No one is going to win every game to the end of the season (at least it would be pretty incredible if they did), more importantly, it's impossible for ALL of the teams above us to do it, given they are playing each other. Chelsea have to play Forest AND Newcastle, Chelsea also have to play Liverpool, Newcastle have to play Arsenal as well. After tonight, you could potentially see Man City winning every game, which is why they're favourites for top 5.
Whatever happens tonight, I suspect we're going to need some sort of result at Old Trafford on the last day.
Post by: AV82EC on April 22, 2025, 03:17:59 PM
Never trust Arsenal.
One of the rules to live your football related life by.
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 22, 2025, 04:17:14 PM
Post by: oldtimernow on April 22, 2025, 04:21:40 PM
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.
Hedging their bets...
Post by: stevo_st on April 22, 2025, 10:04:45 PM
Post by: Smirker on April 22, 2025, 10:05:16 PM
Post by: Louzie0 on April 22, 2025, 10:06:22 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 22, 2025, 10:08:57 PM
Post by: Villan82 on April 22, 2025, 10:10:11 PM
Post by: andyh on April 22, 2025, 10:14:07 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 22, 2025, 10:15:31 PM
Post by: London Villan on April 22, 2025, 10:15:51 PM
Post by: Jon Crofts on April 22, 2025, 10:17:59 PM
Post by: PhilVill on April 22, 2025, 10:19:21 PM
Post by: Villafirst on April 22, 2025, 10:20:58 PM
Post by: walsall villain on April 22, 2025, 10:21:39 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 22, 2025, 10:24:06 PM
Post by: IFWaters on April 22, 2025, 10:34:57 PM
Newcastle still have to play Brighton away, Chelsea home and Arsenal away in their 5 games.
Forest have Palace away and Chelsea at home last match
Chelsea have Liverpool at home, Newcastle away, Man Utd at home and forest in their games
I can see Chelsea slipping up but we also need one of Forest and Newcastle to as well. Don't think we will catch city.
I think if we win all 4 then we can do it, I don't know what the odds of 5 teams in a points race all winning all their last 4 or 5 games is but it has to be enormous.
One problem this year is that after this weekend all the other teams in the league probably have nothing left to play for.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 22, 2025, 10:35:09 PM
Post by: andyh on April 22, 2025, 10:39:31 PM
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.
Unfortunately we won’t get the big one, the one that matters
Post by: Paul.S on April 22, 2025, 10:40:52 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 22, 2025, 10:42:06 PM
Post by: RamboandBruno on April 22, 2025, 10:47:38 PM
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
start to finish and other players have been hooked at h/t for better performances. Im pretty convinced we had so little threat as Rashford was so isolated with Rogers offering nothing tonight. He’s been brilliant for us, but body language was all wrong. He was also lucky not to get a second yellow at one point, an utterly strange performance, but Unai was culpable in not bringing him off earlier.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 22, 2025, 10:52:05 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 22, 2025, 10:59:23 PM
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.
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 22, 2025, 11:01:43 PM
The remaining games are all winnable.
For other clubs, yes. We aren't beating Man U.
Post by: Clampy on April 22, 2025, 11:03:24 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 22, 2025, 11:14:21 PM
The remaining games are all winnable.
For other clubs, yes. We aren't beating Man U.
Yes we are, and it will make it all the sweeter if it confirms top 5. Bournemouth away is the one I'm concerned about.
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 22, 2025, 11:17:06 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 22, 2025, 11:17:59 PM
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.
Post by: Tokyo Sexwhale on April 22, 2025, 11:19:01 PM
We need to win all 4 of our games; and I don't think we will.
I don't even think 3 wins and a draw will be enough; unless two of Forest, Chelsea and Newcastle shit the bed.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on April 23, 2025, 12:26:14 AM
Post by: eamonn on April 23, 2025, 12:28:59 AM
TNT on Thursday nights.
The Blose are watching cos they're fookin'shite
What a feeling, what a night
Post by: Louzie0 on April 23, 2025, 12:43:20 AM
Whatever it was, I hope he’s over it, we need him to clinch CL wins in the next 4 matches and the FACup!
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 23, 2025, 01:38:16 AM
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.
Agreed.
Post by: Villan For Life on April 23, 2025, 04:55:38 AM
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.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 23, 2025, 07:03:58 AM
That means Forest and Chelsea are likely the two we have to leapfrog- Chelsea, possible but Forest’s fixtures are pretty benign and they need 9 points basically even if we win all our games.
Not impossible obviously, but I’d say it’s got pretty unlikely.
Post by: Ozzjim on April 23, 2025, 07:07:49 AM
Post by: Smithy on April 23, 2025, 07:47:56 AM
Post by: OzVilla on April 23, 2025, 07:49:09 AM
I've a horrible feeling this'll be a season of if only's.
Post by: PaulTheVillan on April 23, 2025, 07:53:54 AM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 23, 2025, 08:09:23 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 23, 2025, 08:15:55 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 23, 2025, 08:43:32 AM
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.
Post by: OzVilla on April 23, 2025, 09:22:46 AM
Post by: Dick Edwards on April 23, 2025, 09:30:35 AM
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.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 23, 2025, 09:32:03 AM
Post by: Dick Edwards on April 23, 2025, 09:33:28 AM
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
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 23, 2025, 09:37:38 AM
Post by: London Villan on April 23, 2025, 10:08:18 AM
Post by: AV82EC on April 23, 2025, 10:10:08 AM
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.
There’s no reason it shouldn’t. Lots of football to be played yet.
Post by: caster troy on April 23, 2025, 10:23:10 AM
Chelsea v Liverpool makes me nervous as the title will be done by then. We will be at a disadvantage in the last game compared to Chelsea as Forest will have secured top 5 by that stage and we face our bogey team.
Newcastle v Chelsea will be a strange one as we might need Chelsea to win to keep faint top 5 hopes alive, but a Newcastle win could put 6th place in our own hands.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 23, 2025, 10:37:43 AM
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
Post by: rob_bridge on April 23, 2025, 10:45:16 AM
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
Indeed 38 games v all other teams home and away has always been the best indicator of how good a team is relative to its peers.
Always irked me that Ipswich seen as best team in 1980/81. Well they may well have been for 36 games but that wasn't the case when it was 42.
Post by: Rudy65 on April 23, 2025, 11:28:16 AM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 23, 2025, 11:30:30 AM
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.
Indeed - although as it happens I have more confidence now. That said, if we do win our final 4 games and don’t make it then the other teams deserve it, because they’ve done exceptionally well.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 23, 2025, 11:36:00 AM
Post by: Monty on April 23, 2025, 11:36:36 AM
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.
Post by: Drummond on April 23, 2025, 11:50:34 AM
We've not been good enough to win anything yet, but that goes for most teams doesn't it?
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on April 23, 2025, 01:14:32 PM
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.
Post by: tomd2103 on April 23, 2025, 01:18:12 PM
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.
That and the Bournemouth game.
Post by: Ads on April 23, 2025, 01:22:25 PM
Post by: Dave on April 23, 2025, 01:31:38 PM
Then a silly free-kick given away, a 93rd minute equaliser and we didn't win a game for another two months.
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on April 23, 2025, 01:34:27 PM
But you only need to beat the team in 6th, and the average for 6th place is 61.50.
I still think 67 points (3 wins plus 1 draw) might be enough for us to finish top 5. 4 wins almost certainly would.
(I asked Copilot for this info, but hopefully it’s accurate!).
Post by: Tokyo Sexwhale on April 23, 2025, 02:54:42 PM
Wonder how many points that’s cost us?
2 pts vs Bournemouth
0 pts vs Tottenham (game already lost)
1 pt vs Forest
0 pts vs Man City (game won)
0 pts vs Newcastle (game lost)
0 pts vs Wolves (game lost)
0 pts vs Palace (game lost)
1 pt vs Man City
So "only" cost us 4 points; but would have been enough to be in pole position.
Post by: Ads on April 23, 2025, 03:30:52 PM
Post by: RamboandBruno on April 23, 2025, 04:04:14 PM
I’m probably going to be way off here, but Man City look sorted, so its four for two places. I don’t see Chelsea getting many more points with their run in. Which leaves Forest and Newcastle. It looks to me that Newcastles tricky games are Brighton and Arsenal away and possibly Everton at home last game, especially if they have to still win to get top 5. We probably need them to lose two out of five or draw 3.
Forest, Brentford at home may be tricky if Brentford still have an outside chance of Europe, Palace away might be tough too. I can actually see Forest drawing a few of their games. Again I think we need Forest to lose at least one and draw two or three.
I think if we win all four, we’ll probably still squeeze in, just, big ask though.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 23, 2025, 04:15:28 PM
Post by: RamboandBruno on April 23, 2025, 04:30:06 PM
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
Post by: caster troy on April 23, 2025, 04:32:45 PM
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.
I think that the game where we had a goal ruled out because Watkins had allegedly carried the ball out of play, but we never saw a conclusive replay? That really felt like a sliding doors moment for me at the time.
Post by: Dave on April 23, 2025, 04:44:42 PM
Who knows though.
Post by: OCD on April 23, 2025, 06:26:45 PM
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on April 23, 2025, 07:56:55 PM
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.
Plus it would be 1 more point than last season. I think we’d have all settled for that before a ball was kicked.
Post by: eamonn on April 23, 2025, 08:05:55 PM
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.
Post by: Dave on April 23, 2025, 08:13:33 PM
What was our next win, Brentford at home?
Yup
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 24, 2025, 01:30:05 AM
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.
Tielemans missing that fucking penalty!
Post by: Dick Edwards on April 24, 2025, 08:12:37 AM
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 24, 2025, 08:51:18 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 24, 2025, 08:56:07 AM
Post by: Smithy on April 24, 2025, 10:16:45 AM
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.
Post by: Dave on April 24, 2025, 10:23:41 AM
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/373663
Quote
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.
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.
Post by: Drummond on April 24, 2025, 10:41:44 AM
Post by: Smithy on April 24, 2025, 12:54:25 PM
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.
That's great, thanks for explaining!
Post by: Somniloquism on April 24, 2025, 12:55:06 PM
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.
Especially with Emery's record in the Europa and now being arguably an easier competition without the big boys dropping down from the CL halfway through.
Post by: eamonn on April 25, 2025, 12:08:43 AM
Post by: Dave on April 25, 2025, 08:56:54 AM
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.
Post by: Villa in Denmark on April 25, 2025, 09:43:08 AM
It would be problematic if it caused an exodus but over the last 4-5 years who has been guaranteed Champions League?
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 25, 2025, 10:45:29 AM
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.
As I put it in a group chat, if we have to settle for a TAG Heuer instead of a Patek Philippe, so be it.
Post by: OCD on April 25, 2025, 11:33:21 AM
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.
I only see us getting stronger. Qualifying this year should be seen as a bonus but if we do, I think the chances of us qualifying in future increases.
Post by: Dave P on April 25, 2025, 12:33:19 PM
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 was scrapped before 2016 as we'd have qualified in 2015 wouldn't we?
Post by: Dave on April 25, 2025, 12:47:31 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 25, 2025, 01:11:13 PM
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.
Yep and I think that CL point is key - if everything hinges on getting it this year then we’ve massively cocked up. It should be a welcome boost not the thing that makes us sink or swim.
Post by: Dick Edwards on April 25, 2025, 01:16:52 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 26, 2025, 12:03:53 PM
Chelsea v Everton
Newcastle v Ipswich
Thurs
Forest v Brentford
Fri
Man City v Wolves
Sat
Villa v Fulham
Sun
Brighton v Newcastle
Chelsea v Liverpool
Mon
Palace v Forest
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 26, 2025, 12:08:41 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cddenz1yd52o
Post by: Monty on April 26, 2025, 12:26:36 PM
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?
Post by: Dante Lavelli on April 26, 2025, 02:26:00 PM
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?
Cup for me too. CL qualification means more money but personally I wish it had less influence in the game.
Post by: Martyn Smith on April 26, 2025, 04:59:53 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 26, 2025, 05:02:18 PM
Post by: Martyn Smith on April 26, 2025, 05:06:20 PM
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.
They didn't want runners up spoiling the competitions, said UEFA, offering *Champions* League places to teams finishing second to fifth...
Post by: Toronto Villa on April 26, 2025, 06:45:09 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 26, 2025, 07:07:00 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 26, 2025, 07:08:32 PM
No. Sadly. From being confident just a week ago to literally being broken by the past two games.
Both down to Emery not thinking we can play like we do at home away. Performances and selections have been atrocious when he can rotate players at the moment.
Post by: Rigadon on April 26, 2025, 07:09:20 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 26, 2025, 08:25:22 PM
Post by: Villan82 on April 26, 2025, 08:27:42 PM
Post by: rougegorge on April 26, 2025, 08:27:58 PM
If CL means the Conference League, quite likely.Yes, if Palace win the cup, then 7th place will be Conference.
Post by: algy on April 26, 2025, 08:31:17 PM
Not feeling anywhere near as optimistic about things as I was a week or so ago, mind.
Post by: DC1874 on April 26, 2025, 08:39:20 PM
Post by: PhilVill on April 26, 2025, 08:39:57 PM
Post by: BoVillan esq on April 26, 2025, 08:41:29 PM
Post by: Grande Pablo on April 26, 2025, 08:48:03 PM
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.
The cash alone is essential to our future PSR compliance & holding onto our best players.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 26, 2025, 08:51:43 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 26, 2025, 08:51:59 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 26, 2025, 09:01:53 PM
Post by: BoVillan esq on April 26, 2025, 09:09:30 PM
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.
Exactly, we have to bin this weird approach of starting games at a snail's pace, what is that about?, happened again today, I actually think that caught Palace off guard, shocked that Villa where applying the same method they have been useless at doing all season long, think it took a good 30 mins before Palace realized we was there for the taking and then they did, we have shown even recently if we get out the blocks really fast and go at teams before they know it they are down a goal or pinned down.
Post by: Steve67 on April 26, 2025, 09:09:44 PM
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 mind another crack at the Conference. I think we can win it. Especially with this squad (probably less Rashford and Asensio).
Post by: ez on April 26, 2025, 09:34:36 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 26, 2025, 09:35:31 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 26, 2025, 11:29:25 PM
Post by: Beard82 on April 26, 2025, 11:56:41 PM
UCL
Eurpa
Conference League
Please
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on April 26, 2025, 11:58:15 PM
I wouldn’t want to be in the Conference League, I very much want Citeh to win the cup now.
Agreed. I feel a bit of a snobby ****** for thinking it, but sides like us shouldn't be in that competition in the first place.
Edit: That's not to say I didn't enjoy our first foray back into European football, but it would be some comedown now.
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 26, 2025, 11:59:10 PM
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
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 27, 2025, 12:00:03 AM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 27, 2025, 12:00:42 AM
Post by: Beard82 on April 27, 2025, 12:02:58 AM
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
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 27, 2025, 12:04:25 AM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 27, 2025, 12:07:28 AM
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 27, 2025, 12:08:31 AM
Post by: Ads on April 27, 2025, 12:25:40 AM
Post by: OzVilla on April 27, 2025, 12:52:40 AM
Post by: Cliftonville Villlain on April 27, 2025, 01:40:21 AM
Post by: Villan82 on April 27, 2025, 08:11:32 AM
But the FA cup was the one I really wanted. It was there for us to win.
After yesterday I couldn't care less anymore. What's the point if there is such a disconnect about the importance of winning trophies? If we were 17th and fighting against relegation i could sort of understand it but a trophy is the thing missing.
The FA cup is why everybody knows Peter McParland in his 91st year. Will whoever is around in 60 years time really remember Jhon Duran as the player who scored the goal to finish 4th?
Yesterday is such a kick in the balls.
Post by: wince on April 27, 2025, 08:26:40 AM
Like many others I knew we wouldn’t win the CL but the FA cup is the one I want us to win. But I was 12 going on 13 last time we won major silverware. How long will we have to wait and be chasing European slots or top 8 finishes?
I love Emery but yesterday Palace played exactly the same as each time they tonked us and we fanny it around the back and invite pressure onto us all the time.
I said on the match thread they were playing us off the park. And they did because all they had to do was wait for us to tippy tippy it around and run at us.
Taking McGInn off, no Malen, no Mings is shite. When he is right he is right but yesterday there was no game plan at all. And the players looked bored.
Just sore today but he needs to make us invincible away from home as we turn into a wet napkin away from home.
Post by: Ian. on April 27, 2025, 08:31:23 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 27, 2025, 08:33:59 AM
Post by: Ian. on April 27, 2025, 08:37:37 AM
The game is all about moments.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 27, 2025, 08:50:27 AM
Post by: aj2k77 on April 27, 2025, 08:58:13 AM
Post by: Des Little on April 27, 2025, 08:59:18 AM
You know Palace will lose Forest now too to add insult to injury.
I think I’d want a Forest win.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 27, 2025, 09:00:33 AM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 27, 2025, 09:07:11 AM
Post by: LeeB on April 27, 2025, 09:16:50 AM
I've just no faith that we will after watching that.
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 27, 2025, 09:26:30 AM
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.
Post by: Rigadon on April 27, 2025, 09:52:46 AM
I was pretty sure of us winning all of our remaining games before that last kick Man City goal went in. I am struggling to see where our next win comes from now.
Post by: Ads on April 27, 2025, 09:57:09 AM
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.
Post by: Rigadon on April 27, 2025, 10:09:22 AM
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.
Guilty as charged. I hope you're right.
Post by: Flamingo Lane on April 27, 2025, 10:28:42 AM
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.
That was the one and only time I hve ever placed a bet at a football match. I had £1 on him to score the first goal, at 28/1.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on April 27, 2025, 10:30:38 AM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 27, 2025, 02:24:00 PM
Will whoever is around in 60 years time really remember Jhon Duran as the player who scored the goal to finish 4th?
Maybe, because for some reason people think it now, even though he didn’t.
Post by: john2710 on April 27, 2025, 02:32:34 PM
Post by: Ads on April 27, 2025, 02:33:53 PM
Post by: eamonn on April 27, 2025, 03:22:29 PM
How much did you win?!
No cashing-out back in 1990.
Post by: Tokyo Sexwhale on April 27, 2025, 04:11:13 PM
3 wins and a draw probably wouldn't be though.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 27, 2025, 04:36:47 PM
This boat has sailed. We're playing Bodo Blimps on a Thursday night in -15 degree temperatures.
If it's in the Europa League rather than the Conference League, it will still be a good year.
Post by: RamboandBruno on April 27, 2025, 04:38:50 PM
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.
Post by: john2710 on April 27, 2025, 06:56:57 PM
Post by: RamboandBruno on April 27, 2025, 07:05:12 PM
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.
If we can pick ourselves up for the Fulham and beat them, I fancy us to beat Bournemouth, especially if they lose their next match at Arsenal.
Post by: London Villan on April 27, 2025, 07:15:18 PM
Post by: SaddVillan on April 27, 2025, 10:00:52 PM
AVFC have written to the Premier League to emphatically reject Tottenham’s request to bring forward their fixture at Villa Park next month.
Understand Spurs wanted the game to be played on Thursday, May 15, to allow more time to prepare for a possible Europa League final.
Spurs can do one.
The Prem hasn't helped anybody else. They'd better not start now.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 27, 2025, 10:11:29 PM
Post by: PhilVill on April 28, 2025, 11:30:02 AM
Post by: Duncan Shaw on April 28, 2025, 01:31:13 PM
Post by: Tokyo Sexwhale on April 28, 2025, 01:48:28 PM
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.
4 wins will almost certainly be enough because Chelsea play Newcastle and Forest; and it's unlikely that all 3 of them will win all of their remaining games.
Of course it's not likely that we'll win all 4 of ours, but it is at least not unthinkable.
Post by: amfy on April 28, 2025, 01:58:49 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 28, 2025, 02:00:12 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 28, 2025, 02:38:55 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 28, 2025, 02:44:44 PM
Post by: OCD on April 28, 2025, 02:50:57 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 28, 2025, 02:51:42 PM
Post by: Dave on April 28, 2025, 02:52:07 PM
Forest are catchable. The rest aren't. Sixth at best.
I've long been of the opinion that we were unlikely to finish in the top five, and that opinion hasn't changed - but it's hardly crazy to think that we can't finish a win and a draw better from games against Fulham, Bournemouth, Spurs and Man Utd than Chelsea will against Liverpool, Newcastle Man Utd and Forest.
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 28, 2025, 02:53:18 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 28, 2025, 02:55:10 PM
Nope. 70 points to our 64.67?
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 28, 2025, 02:57:57 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 28, 2025, 03:07:00 PM
Post by: amfy on April 28, 2025, 03:15:40 PM
If they win all their games they take down Forest and Newcastle.
It's the amount of playing each other amongst our rivals that actually gives me a bit of hope.
We need to do our thing though.
Post by: Dave on April 28, 2025, 03:20:48 PM
No. Not according to the official figures.
Your ones that said we'd only get a point from Newcastle?
Post by: Drummond on April 28, 2025, 03:24:36 PM
Post by: Tokyo Sexwhale on April 28, 2025, 03:31:35 PM
For our rivals to get to 69 points:
Newcastle need 2 wins and a draw against Brighton (a), Chelsea (h), Arsenal (a), Everton (h)
Man City need 2 wins and 2 draws against Wolves (h), Southampton (a), Bournemouth (h), Fulham (a)
Chelsea need 3 wins against Liverpool (h), Newcastle (a), Man Utd (h), Forest (a)
Forest need 3 wins against Brentford (h), Palace (a), Leicester (h), West Ham (a), Chelsea (h)
I think we can assume Man City are going to do it, so that leaves 4 teams battling for 2 CL spots.
Forest have 3 winnable games - possibly 4, so their final game against Chelsea may be irrelevant. We need them to have a drop off.
Newcastle have tricky games, but they're good at home. So they'd need to pick up a point against Brighton or Arsenal (who will be resting for the CL if they get to the Final or will be on the beach if they don't).
I think Chelsea have the toughest run, and games against Newcastle and Forest. I don't think they'll make Top 5.
So I think we need to win all 4 games, and hope for Newcastle to slip up; as I think Man City and Forest will get 2 of the 3 remaining spots.
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 28, 2025, 03:43:46 PM
No. Not according to the official figures.
Your ones that said we'd only get a point from Newcastle?
Yes, they have since been revised so they are still correct.
Post by: Drummond on April 28, 2025, 03:47:05 PM
Will Chelsea get results against Newcastle and Forest?
Can Everton win away in Scotland?
All pivotal but it's all reliant on us winning all 4, anything less and we won't make top 5.
I predict we'll end up 6th, or mathematically out of it by the final day and completely shit the bed v ManU up there.
Post by: AV82EC on April 28, 2025, 03:49:14 PM
Post by: andyh on April 28, 2025, 03:53:28 PM
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.
Post by: Tokyo Sexwhale on April 28, 2025, 03:53:44 PM
I actually think our key game is Bournemouth away, that's the one we're most likely to slip up in.
Post by: Tokyo Sexwhale on April 28, 2025, 03:56:59 PM
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.
They almost certainly will get 3 wins though. Leicester and West Ham are gimmes; Palace will be keeping their powder dry for the Cup Final; and Brentford and Chelsea at home are winnable too.
They'd have to have a major meltdown not to get 3 wins. Of course it's possible they don't, but I think that it's more likely they achieve it, than we get 4 wins.
Post by: Paul.S on April 28, 2025, 04:01:50 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 28, 2025, 04:28:54 PM
We'll completely shit the bed v ManU anyway whatever happens between now and then.
We just need to tell them we'll sign Rashy if we get Champions League. Job done.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 28, 2025, 04:59:54 PM
Post by: LeeB on April 28, 2025, 05:47:21 PM
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.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 28, 2025, 06:18:53 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 28, 2025, 06:30:55 PM
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.
Post by: Dave on April 28, 2025, 06:38:02 PM
Would just be annoying on it's own terms
Post by: Drummond on April 28, 2025, 07:03:28 PM
I’m still hoping Bilbao hammer them both.
You want spurs in the final?
Post by: Nii Lamptey on April 28, 2025, 07:30:26 PM
Need to keep them both on a tighter financial leash.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 28, 2025, 07:35:48 PM
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.
Post by: Flamingo Lane on April 28, 2025, 08:26:26 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 28, 2025, 08:28:32 PM
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.
Playing them 3 days before a final might well work to our advantage. Once there, I hope Bilbao stuff them.
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 28, 2025, 08:31:15 PM
Is it possible that finishing 7th could see us into the Conference League?
Yes, if Palace win the cup.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 28, 2025, 08:31:23 PM
Is it possible that finishing 7th could see us into the Conference League?
Yes if Palace win the cup.
Post by: Flamingo Lane on April 28, 2025, 08:35:27 PM
Post by: BoVillan esq on April 28, 2025, 08:58:57 PM
I stick with my previous position, if we win all 4 and don’t finish top 5 then fair play to whoever does.
Agree, we win all 4, just a bit of luck with other results, not asking for the complete melt down of Chelsea or Forest, Newcastle, but these sides are going to clash, it could be done even now, not out of this by a country mile, if Forest don't get a result vs Brentford, Man City stumble v Wolves, we beat Fulham that top 5 will look very different, even at this late stage. Newcastle at Brighton. it can still be done.
This weekend is massive, if these other top 7 sides blink then a couple have to still face each other, we are in the mix.
Post by: eamonn on April 28, 2025, 09:19:48 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 28, 2025, 09:21:35 PM
Post by: VillaTim on April 28, 2025, 09:22:32 PM
Post by: Drummond on April 28, 2025, 09:27:16 PM
Post by: Flamingo Lane on April 28, 2025, 09:28:57 PM
Is it ungrateful not to want Europe if it means Conference League?
It's not really a case of being grateful or ungrateful. My own view is that being in the Conference League next season would be a bad thing for us, we really don't need it, either as a competition in itself or to help our progression.
Post by: VillaTim on April 28, 2025, 09:30:13 PM
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 .
Post by: Ads on April 28, 2025, 09:31:12 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 28, 2025, 09:39:53 PM
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on April 28, 2025, 09:59:59 PM
I want Champions League, but wouldn’t mind Europa.
Winner of Europa gets in CL, with our manager’s record in that competition we’d fancy our chances…we all know what would happen next!!
Post by: Ads on April 28, 2025, 10:00:46 PM
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on April 28, 2025, 10:02:05 PM
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.
Post by: Beard82 on April 28, 2025, 10:08:52 PM
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.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 28, 2025, 10:19:51 PM
I want Champions League, but wouldn’t mind Europa.
I'd be happy with Europa League as long as we win the F......
Post by: Drummond on April 28, 2025, 10:59:39 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 28, 2025, 11:04:38 PM
We've a stronger squad now than we had a year ago, and it will hopefully be stronger still next. We will win something.
Yeah, remember it took Klopp 3.5 years to win his first trophy with Liverpool, and 4.5 years to win his first domestic trophy.
Post by: eamonn on April 28, 2025, 11:22:12 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 28, 2025, 11:58:37 PM
Post by: Dick Edwards on April 29, 2025, 07:42:35 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 29, 2025, 07:48:40 AM
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.
Post by: Drummond on April 29, 2025, 07:51:24 AM
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.
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on April 29, 2025, 08:08:14 AM
Personally I’d rather win a trophy before I’d start dismissing any competitions.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 29, 2025, 08:08:28 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 29, 2025, 08:09:13 AM
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 29, 2025, 09:18:35 AM
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.
Loads of decent teams have won fuck all. Newcastle in the 90s, Tottenham 2010s, Villa early 1930s, off the top of my head. We are much less likely than Man City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Man U to win a trophy next season, as is pretty much always the case.
Post by: Drummond on April 29, 2025, 09:57:09 AM
It's not a coping strategy, it's a fundamental belief. These owners and this manager don't fail.
Post by: Dave on April 29, 2025, 09:58:03 AM
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.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on April 29, 2025, 09:59:25 AM
Post by: darren woolley on April 29, 2025, 10:03:20 AM
Post by: Brend'Watkins on April 29, 2025, 10:12:33 AM
Post by: Steve67 on April 29, 2025, 10:41:36 AM
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.
Post by: Des Little on April 29, 2025, 10:57:14 AM
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.
Same, depending on our Chris' pricing
Post by: Ads on April 29, 2025, 11:14:09 AM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 29, 2025, 11:22:26 AM
Couldn’t agree more. People need to remember how bad things have been over the last 10 years or more.
They're the sort of people who would have wanted Saunders out in 1979 and 1980, because we'd dropped down to 8th and 7th and weren't playing in Europe.
Post by: Rigadon on April 29, 2025, 11:39:20 AM
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.
I think that's unfair. If we want to compete at an elite level - and the way we have performed this year in the CL shows that's where we actually belong - seeing the Conference League as a bit of a booby prize isn't as outrageous as you say in my view.
Even the Europa League, though clearly a step up from the Conference, is a bit of a poor cousin. You can argue about whether that is right, but it's clearly the way things are.
As a way back in to playing in Europe, the Conference was a good thing two seasons ago. I don't agree it's 'entitlement' that makes some fans less than thrilled at the prospect of doing so again next year, especially if we miss out on CL by a point or two (or even bloody goal difference!).
Playing in the Conference just wouldn't excite me very much after seeing what we can do with this manager and the kinds of players we can attract and retain by playing in the CL. At least the Europa would be a new competition.
Post by: Rigadon on April 29, 2025, 11:42:41 AM
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.
I get the point about context, but when are we allowed to stop comparing everything to 2015/26? There has to be a point where the club moves on from that utter shit show.
Post by: Ads on April 29, 2025, 11:45:10 AM
Post by: Rigadon on April 29, 2025, 11:55:04 AM
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.
Not sure if that’s aimed at me, but I certainly didn’t say we’re "too good" for anything.
Post by: Ads on April 29, 2025, 12:20:58 PM
Portsmouth, Swansea, Wigan, Small Heath, Leicester and Newcastle v the other 54 (forgot the Geordies, so much for recency bias).
Post by: Flamingo Lane on April 29, 2025, 12:23:34 PM
I should perhaps add, I'm not advocating that we should deliberately set out to finish 8th rather than 7th, in order to avoid going into it.
Post by: Ads on April 29, 2025, 12:36:31 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 29, 2025, 12:41:03 PM
Post by: Chip Butty 111 on April 29, 2025, 12:45:01 PM
Post by: Ads on April 29, 2025, 12:57:39 PM
Post by: Dave on April 29, 2025, 01:03:11 PM
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.
Post by: LeeB on April 29, 2025, 01:25:20 PM
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.
Post by: Drummond on April 29, 2025, 01:42:42 PM
Right now, I'm still thoroughly disappointed in Saturday's result. I'm still gutted about PSG. I'm pissed off we didn't try harder in the League Cup. And I'm rueing the fact that we could be higher in the league, but ultimately, when we look back at where we've been since 1983, this ranks up there as one of the better seasons. We just need to bloody win something again.
Post by: AV82EC on April 29, 2025, 01:46:54 PM
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.
Hear hear.
Post by: eamonn on April 29, 2025, 02:02:22 PM
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.
Rubbish in that Chelsea play their second-string, broadcasters aren't arsed with it and you're up against third-rate teams from second-rate leagues. It's always on Thursdays, neutrals forget who's in it and your team is fucked on the Sunday (unless you have 40 players like Chelsea). Europa League, sure, let's do it and win it. Conference, been there, nearly did it and it nearly stopped-us from qualifying for the Champions League. Best avoided.
Post by: Ads on April 29, 2025, 02:16:19 PM
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".
Post by: TheToffnar on April 29, 2025, 03:20:03 PM
Post by: eamonn on April 29, 2025, 03:25:20 PM
Post by: Rigadon on April 29, 2025, 03:29:28 PM
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.
Yup. If we end up in the Conference League, with the cup runs we've had, it will have been a good season with some amazing moments. But it won't have been as good an outcome as last season, so will be tinged with feelings of 'nearly but not quite', which is consistent with a good few other seasons I can remember (MON I'm looking at you mate!). 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?
Anyway, my disappointment from the weekend is fading and confidence (blind optimism) is returning. 5th IS ON (hopefully)!
Post by: AV82EC on April 29, 2025, 03:31:12 PM
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.
He's under contract, he doesn't have a choice.
Post by: Drummond on April 29, 2025, 03:35:27 PM
Post by: Brend'Watkins on April 29, 2025, 03:37:20 PM
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".
European nights under the lights at VP does not conjure up images of Lincoln Imps of Gibraltar or TNS of Oswestry. Personally, I'd rather not be in it.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on April 29, 2025, 03:37:58 PM
The Europa League is at least more prestigious and another way into the Champions League.
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 29, 2025, 03:39:58 PM
Post by: Drummond on April 29, 2025, 03:43:50 PM
There are decent teams going to be in it. It's European Football under the lights. It may even be Hibernian again, or Aberdeen.
It's not the same as Bayern, PSG and Juve, but's not too dissimilar to Celtic, Brugge and Bologna.
Post by: Ads on April 29, 2025, 03:44:30 PM
We won't qualify for it, but I'd not turn my nose up at the chance to make more life long memories.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 29, 2025, 03:44:39 PM
European Cup: Puskas Arena, Budapest, Hungary. 67k
Uefa Cup : Besiktas Park, Istanbul, Turkey. 42k
Cup Winners Cup: RB Arena, Leipzig, Germany 45k
For 2027
EC: Maybe San Siro but not confirmed. 71.5k
UC : Stadion Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany. 58k
CWC: Besiktas Park, Istanbul, Turkey. 42k
So we have two attempts at getting "our night in Istanbul" moment.
Post by: Drummond on April 29, 2025, 03:47:45 PM
Post by: Dave on April 29, 2025, 04:34:07 PM
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.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 29, 2025, 05:09:17 PM
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.
Roma would be cool. Great city, and we could wave Lazio shirts at them to wind them up. It's very effective in European ties, apparently.
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on April 29, 2025, 05:29:15 PM
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.
Absolutely correct. I’m amazed at some of what I’m reading. One season in The Champions League in 41 years and the Conference league is beneath us?! Do me a favour.
Post by: aldridgeboy on April 29, 2025, 05:53:49 PM
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.
Absolutely this
Post by: Rigadon on April 29, 2025, 06:41:14 PM
Post by: VillaTim on April 29, 2025, 06:54:09 PM
Post by: OCD on April 29, 2025, 07:08:15 PM
Post by: Flamingo Lane on April 29, 2025, 07:13:09 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 29, 2025, 07:14:24 PM
Post by: VillaTim on April 29, 2025, 07:39:29 PM
Post by: Dave on April 29, 2025, 07:45:17 PM
The tournament was designed for smaller nations for their teams to have a go .
It was designed so that there were another hundred odd games per season for UEFA to sell television rights for.
But if you want to put a bit of sporting integrity in there, it was designed for teams other than the same old, same old to get to play European football.
We still very much fall into that category.
Post by: frank black on April 29, 2025, 07:48:46 PM
Post by: Ads on April 29, 2025, 07:56:50 PM
Post by: AV82EC on April 29, 2025, 08:07:45 PM
Post by: SamTheMouse on April 29, 2025, 08:13:28 PM
Post by: eamonn on April 29, 2025, 08:37:39 PM
Post by: VillaTim on April 29, 2025, 08:38:07 PM
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 .
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 30, 2025, 01:57:48 AM
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 .
If it benefits one particular club in Deloitte’s top 20 I don’t give a fuck what it was created for.
FC Beergarden in the final please.
Post by: Smithy on April 30, 2025, 08:33:47 AM
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.
This is an important - if a bit mercenary - point to consider. Another year in the conference league (disappointing as it would be from a purely footballing perspective) would mean we'd get MORE money if we get into the Champions League in a subsequent season, because CL earnings are also based on a club's UEFA coefficient (there are teams that finished lower than us in the league phase who earned a lot more than us due to their coefficient).
The coefficient is a five- and ten-year calculation, so getting European football of ANY kind helps with that.
Personally, my memories of cold nights away in the Championship are still WAY too fresh in my mind to even consider turning my nose up at European competition, even the smaller third-tier one.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on April 30, 2025, 08:43:24 AM
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 .
And yet, if you asked UEFA or the clubs in those smaller leagues whether the big league teams ought to be excluded, you'd get an enormous no because nobody would watch/broadcast the competition if those teams weren't there. Not that anyone watches it now, but it's on.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 30, 2025, 09:25:30 AM
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.
Post by: LeeB on April 30, 2025, 04:52:34 PM
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 agree with all of this and would absolutely not be arsed with turning up to watch until the semi-finals at best.
Post by: eamonn on April 30, 2025, 05:06:40 PM
Post by: TheToffnar on April 30, 2025, 05:12:35 PM
Post by: algy on April 30, 2025, 05:33:10 PM
Just on that basis, whilst I obviously would rather us qualify for the Champions League, there are some definite positives in my mind from playing in the Conference League. Plus I think we could conceivably win it, which I'm less sure is the case with the Champions League.
Post by: Ads on April 30, 2025, 05:35:34 PM
Post by: Smirker on April 30, 2025, 05:35:47 PM
Post by: Clampy on April 30, 2025, 06:17:33 PM
Or the Europa, I really don't mind.
Post by: Dave on April 30, 2025, 06:38:54 PM
I get the acceptance for the Europa League and for the reasons why but Champions League for me.
I don't think anyone is suggesting they'd prefer either of the other two.
Post by: VillaTim on April 30, 2025, 08:39:45 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 01, 2025, 01:28:28 AM
I've always fancied a few days in Qarabag , so if it's conference bring them on .
I've got bad news for you. They don't play there any more, and haven't done since 1993.
Post by: Dave on May 01, 2025, 06:54:30 AM
Trips to Zira or Nakhchivan would still be on the table if we ended up in the Conference League.
Post by: IFWaters on May 01, 2025, 07:12:26 AM
So looks like we will be cheering on Man C115y in the FA Cup final in a couple of weeks
Post by: darren woolley on May 01, 2025, 07:41:35 AM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 01, 2025, 08:34:41 AM
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.
Post by: aj2k77 on May 01, 2025, 08:49:02 AM
Villa *
Fenerbache *
Union St-G *
Ajax
Fiorentina
Maccabi
Dinamo Z *
Servette
Olympiakos
PAOK *
Viktoria Plzen
Maccabi TA
Lille *
Brugge *
Molde
Strum Graz *
compared to
Lugano
Celje
Djurgarden
Pafos
Borac
Legia W
Rapid Vienna
Cercle B
Jagionella
Molde
Copenhagen
Chelsea
Real Betis
Fiorentina
Vitoria Setubal
Panathinaikos
We'd be playing a lot of randomy made up teams on a Thursday night with league games at shit kick off times on a Sunday afternoon. It's better than nothing but still crap
Post by: VillaTim on May 01, 2025, 08:49:54 AM
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.
Post by: Dave on May 01, 2025, 08:53:22 AM
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.
That's the problem with the Conference League. When the big teams drop out of the Champions League it doesn't give the rest of us a chance.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 01, 2025, 08:53:50 AM
Post by: eamonn on May 01, 2025, 09:13:33 AM
Post by: aj2k77 on May 01, 2025, 09:18:52 AM
When is a team a made up team?
When they are called Borac or Jagionella, which I thought was a disease.
Post by: Keeno on May 01, 2025, 09:19:25 AM
Europa League would be a really fun competition, one we have a chance of winning at next season and alongside our league campaign it would provide 2 routes back into the CL.
Post by: Somniloquism on May 01, 2025, 09:27:15 AM
Still no escape from Rapid bastard Vienna. I wish they meant nothing to me.
We could face FC Noah. I think they flood the midfield.
Post by: VillaTim on May 01, 2025, 09:40:27 AM
When is a team a made up team?Go Ahead Eagles
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 01, 2025, 11:01:27 AM
When is a team a made up team?
Go Ahead Eagles
That was our team name on Saturday.
Post by: VillaTim on May 01, 2025, 11:47:45 AM
;DWhen is a team a made up team?
Go Ahead Eagles
That was our team name on Saturday.
Post by: Mellin on May 01, 2025, 02:17:21 PM
When is a team a made up team?
Go Ahead Eagles
That was our team name on Saturday.
😂😂👏
Post by: dr.chekov on May 01, 2025, 02:23:23 PM
When is a team a made up team?
Go Ahead Eagles
That was our team name on Saturday.
Haha.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 01, 2025, 02:58:50 PM
Post by: yammers on May 01, 2025, 09:18:04 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 01, 2025, 09:25:41 PM
Post by: amfy on May 01, 2025, 09:29:24 PM
Even the GD is down to 7 between us & Forest now which is potentially just a couple of results for us and them going our way.
Post by: Steve67 on May 01, 2025, 09:30:55 PM
Some of the sides above have to play each other, which might give us a sniff. Joelinton out for the barcodes too.
Post by: Mellin on May 01, 2025, 09:32:12 PM
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.
Post by: eamonn on May 01, 2025, 09:37:16 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 01, 2025, 09:37:20 PM
Fri
Man City v Wolves
Sat
Villa v Fulham
Sun
Brighton v Newcastle
Chelsea v Liverpool
Mon
Palace v Forest
Post by: Mellin on May 01, 2025, 09:39:32 PM
That point at the Etihad would've been handy 🫣
Post by: Smirker on May 01, 2025, 09:45:44 PM
I have nothing against Forest, but they can fuck off. I want that CL spot. Sorry lads!
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on May 01, 2025, 09:50:02 PM
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.
Post by: Chip Butty 111 on May 01, 2025, 10:02:06 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 01, 2025, 10:03:05 PM
Post by: Flamingo Lane on May 01, 2025, 10:13:58 PM
Post by: Chip Butty 111 on May 01, 2025, 10:15:31 PM
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
Post by: Tokyo Sexwhale on May 01, 2025, 10:52:07 PM
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.
Post by: django on May 01, 2025, 11:06:40 PM
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.
Chelsea play Forest and Newcastle so there will be dropped points in those games. Newcastle’s game against Arsenal and Forests against palace will be tricky too. Forest look like a side that momentum
Is swinging against at the wrong time for them and they feel it. If they struggle against Palace it could really fall apart for them. Chelsea don’t have an easy game.
Still lots to play for. I hope the result tonight has given our squad a lift as we need one after our last couple of games.
The upside to tonight’s Europa league games is it should make things easier in the last couple of games for us. It’s the next two
that are my biggest worry and particularly how we turn up for Fulham.
Post by: taylorsworkrate on May 01, 2025, 11:10:18 PM
Post by: tomd2103 on May 02, 2025, 12:48:58 AM
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 win on Saturday and the pressure is really on Forest on Monday night.
Post by: eamonn on May 02, 2025, 12:54:13 AM
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.
Post by: jwarry on May 02, 2025, 04:01:51 AM
Post by: Mellin on May 02, 2025, 04:46:58 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 02, 2025, 05:56:43 AM
Post by: Ads on May 02, 2025, 07:56:21 AM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on May 02, 2025, 08:07:01 AM
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.
They won't lose ALL their league games.
Post by: Flamingo Lane on May 02, 2025, 08:08:12 AM
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.
Post by: London Villan on May 02, 2025, 08:46:40 AM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 02, 2025, 08:48:36 AM
Post by: Ads on May 02, 2025, 08:51:32 AM
Post by: Dave on May 02, 2025, 08:53:32 AM
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).
I'd bet there aren't many occasions where there have been five teams within five points of each other with four games left to play though.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 02, 2025, 08:54:13 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 02, 2025, 08:56:17 AM
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.
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on May 02, 2025, 09:11:01 AM
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.
Post by: Dave on May 02, 2025, 09:13:39 AM
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.
Yeah, I reckon everyone involved will have a slip up somewhere that isn't expected, some probably more than one. Don't think many people had a Forest defeat at home to Brentford on their plans for the how the rest of the season was going to play out.
Just need to make sure the team doing worse than expected isn't us.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 02, 2025, 09:16:25 AM
Post by: VillaTim on May 02, 2025, 09:19:00 AM
Will Liverpool turn up at Chelsea. Are Palace done bar the final now ?
Post by: Flamingo Lane on May 02, 2025, 09:19:09 AM
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.
Not if one of them is already out of CL contention by that time, which is entirely conceivable.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 02, 2025, 09:26:20 AM
Post by: Dave on May 02, 2025, 09:27:13 AM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 02, 2025, 09:29:00 AM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 02, 2025, 09:30:52 AM
Post by: VillaTim on May 02, 2025, 09:44:02 AM
Post by: Duncan Shaw on May 02, 2025, 09:48:28 AM
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.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 02, 2025, 10:00:51 AM
Post by: VillaTim on May 02, 2025, 10:02:47 AM
Post by: Ads on May 02, 2025, 10:11:10 AM
Post by: Drummond on May 02, 2025, 10:11:42 AM
Post by: TheToffnar on May 02, 2025, 10:32:03 AM
We have arguably the easiest run in aside from City. We have the fittest squad, a week between each fixture and no comps to worry about anymore whilst playing sides that do.
If we play our best football and only manage 6-10 points I'll live with it, but if we put in another lackluster performance like we did against Palace or City they'll be hell to pay. No excuses.
Post by: OCD on May 02, 2025, 10:58:39 AM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on May 02, 2025, 11:02:05 AM
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.
YOU ALL thought we were going down apart from Olaftab and me!
Post by: Chip Butty 111 on May 02, 2025, 11:15:22 AM
Post by: TheToffnar on May 02, 2025, 11:19:17 AM
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...
You can just see it can't you...
Post by: Dave on May 02, 2025, 11:20:40 AM
Post by: Chip Butty 111 on May 02, 2025, 11:24:30 AM
....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...
Post by: Skerra on May 02, 2025, 11:28:44 AM
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!!
Post by: LeeB on May 02, 2025, 11:44:05 AM
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!!
They don't even need that, they can channel the spirit of Ten Hag and still beat us.
Post by: VillaTim on May 02, 2025, 11:51:02 AM
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...
Post by: OCD on May 02, 2025, 11:53:36 AM
Post by: LeeB on May 02, 2025, 11:57:59 AM
But we're not at all scarred.
I've got a big one from my knee op.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 02, 2025, 12:13:11 PM
Post by: SamTheMouse on May 02, 2025, 12:18:50 PM
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.
There's a quantum reality somewhere in the universe where this happens, and I want to go there.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 02, 2025, 02:03:20 PM
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.
This his latest prediction, obviously not including Villa. I think our coefficient is about 47 so if we qualified we'd probably be in pot three now. Not that pots really matter any more.
https://bsky.app/profile/footrankings.bsky.social/post/3lo5bkcnigc2p
Post by: OCD on May 02, 2025, 02:51:17 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on May 02, 2025, 03:07:18 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 02, 2025, 03:41:11 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 02, 2025, 04:18:32 PM
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. :)
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on May 02, 2025, 04:31:40 PM
....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...
You mean ‘Fergie Time’ ….. vomit
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 02, 2025, 04:41:14 PM
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. :)
This is everything I stand against.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 02, 2025, 04:56:31 PM
Yes, I know. My post was more about injecting some positivity in the thread. :)
This is everything I stand against.
Just wait till you see the rest of my manifesto.
Post by: Mellin on May 02, 2025, 05:00:51 PM
Post by: Steve67 on May 03, 2025, 09:50:41 AM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 03, 2025, 10:31:00 AM
It's a straight fight for 5th between Chelsea, Forest and Villa for 5th.
Just need to win today, and become Brighton, Liverpool and Palace fans for the rest of the weekend's fixtures. If Newcastle lose to Brighton today, they're right back in it with us.
Post by: Goldenballs on May 03, 2025, 11:46:34 AM
Post by: VillaTim on May 03, 2025, 11:58:10 AM
Hate the early kick off, the potential to completely destroy the entire bank holiday weekend.Or set it up brilliantly
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 03, 2025, 12:04:09 PM
Post by: Olneythelonely on May 03, 2025, 12:26:07 PM
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?
Post by: VillaTim on May 03, 2025, 12:26:48 PM
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?
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 03, 2025, 12:27:26 PM
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?
Post by: waynejames on May 03, 2025, 12:51:09 PM
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.
Newcastle are not sorted.....look at their fixtures they are quite capable of dropping between 4 and 6 points
Post by: Somniloquism on May 03, 2025, 02:38:25 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 03, 2025, 02:41:47 PM
Post by: Keeno on May 03, 2025, 02:42:41 PM
We've won 6 in 7 to be fair - Wembley horror show aside, we're finishing the season so strongly.
Feels like November-New Year is the period that might cost us if we miss out - I've not got too many complaints about how we've approached the league in the final few months.
Post by: Goldenballs on May 03, 2025, 02:44:13 PM
Post by: BoVillan esq on May 03, 2025, 02:44:19 PM
Just need Brighton to turn up against Newcastle, Liverpool not playing their reserves, and Palace not to be looking forward 2 weeks.
This is it, really hard game for Newcastle, and Liverpool are more than capable of beating a poor Chelsea team, as for Palace that's the fly in the ointment because they undoubtedly are thinking FA Cup final.
Its the Brighton game and the Liverpool game that are important though.
What bothers me is the fact we have Bournemouth, Spurs and worst of all Man Utd who will want to beat us just for the shear bloody mindedness of doing it. Difficult to see back to back wins if we play like we did today.
Post by: aldridgeboy on May 03, 2025, 03:07:09 PM
Last day always throws up some rrallly random scores ( or in my head does). Win the next two we will be there or thereabouts I think.
Post by: Olneythelonely on May 03, 2025, 03:09:50 PM
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?
Nothing starts the bank holiday weekend off poorly than a typo.
Post by: Des Little on May 03, 2025, 04:16:34 PM
Post by: PhilVill on May 03, 2025, 04:28:25 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 03, 2025, 07:24:21 PM
Post by: Dave on May 03, 2025, 07:34:03 PM
Win all three and I reckon it's CL. Win two and its Europa, which is still not to be sniffed at.
Yup, that feels right.
Post by: Pat Mustard on May 03, 2025, 07:39:20 PM
Post by: VillaTim on May 03, 2025, 08:59:36 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 03, 2025, 08:59:44 PM
Post by: Ads on May 03, 2025, 09:11:31 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 03, 2025, 09:15:23 PM
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.
Post by: Ads on May 03, 2025, 09:17:07 PM
Post by: Chip Butty 111 on May 04, 2025, 09:25:54 AM
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.
Post by: VillaTim on May 04, 2025, 09:37:03 AM
Post by: eamonn on May 04, 2025, 11:58:57 AM
Post by: VillaTim on May 04, 2025, 01:35:41 PM
Post by: JUAN PABLO on May 04, 2025, 02:00:46 PM
Post by: eamonn on May 04, 2025, 05:13:42 PM
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.
Post by: yammers on May 04, 2025, 06:21:00 PM
Post by: Rigadon on May 04, 2025, 06:25:27 PM
Liverpool today have been a joke.
Post by: Chip Butty 111 on May 04, 2025, 06:35:11 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 04, 2025, 06:47:39 PM
Post by: ez on May 04, 2025, 07:12:57 PM
Post by: VillaTim on May 04, 2025, 07:13:09 PM
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.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 04, 2025, 07:53:32 PM
Chelsea and Newcastle can do no worse than 2 wins from 3 to finish in front of us - and they play each other.
The minimum Forest would have to do is win 2 of 3, or if they don’t win tomorrow they’d have to win all 3 (and they play Chelsea).
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 04, 2025, 08:16:11 PM
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.
Post by: villa for life on May 04, 2025, 08:16:54 PM
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…
Post by: VillaTim on May 04, 2025, 08:18:31 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 04, 2025, 08:24:38 PM
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.
Post by: villa for life on May 04, 2025, 08:28:11 PM
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.
Yes, precisely. Pretty obvious.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 04, 2025, 08:33:16 PM
Post by: villa for life on May 04, 2025, 08:37:53 PM
Sure, heaven forbid people extress an opinion on a football forum.
I know.. especially when it’s an unpopular one! Some people might say you even have an agenda!
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 04, 2025, 08:42:36 PM
Post by: villa for life on May 04, 2025, 08:45:31 PM
You’ve genuinely lost me there.
It’s ok. Hard to keep track.
Post by: tomd2103 on May 04, 2025, 08:59:41 PM
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.
Yep, especially as our goal difference is considerably worse than those around us. If we were on 63 points with a comparative goal difference, it would look a lot better, but the 3 point margin and superior goal difference means those on 63 points only need to win two if we win all three.
Post by: john2710 on May 04, 2025, 09:10:00 PM
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.
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on May 04, 2025, 09:27:32 PM
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.
I’d go with that. For me, given our home record against them, Fulham was the easiest game, our record against Spurs is patchy and well we know about Man U!
Post by: VillaTim on May 04, 2025, 09:28:47 PM
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.
Post by: MalcolmP on May 04, 2025, 09:35:08 PM
Post by: Crown Hill on May 04, 2025, 09:36:09 PM
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!
Post by: VillaTim on May 04, 2025, 09:54:40 PM
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 .
Post by: Skerra on May 04, 2025, 09:56:47 PM
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.
John, totally agree with you. The key match is next week v Bournemouth. Win that one and I think we would get 5th only because our last 2 games are against probable Europa League finalists so, I can’t see either of them being arsed with the league matches. However, lose against the Cherries and I think Europa League beckons for us.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 04, 2025, 10:01:04 PM
Post by: Smithy on May 04, 2025, 10:04:37 PM
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.
Post by: Legion on May 04, 2025, 10:53:32 PM
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?
Post by: pauliewalnuts on May 04, 2025, 11:02:53 PM
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.
Post by: AV82EC on May 04, 2025, 11:16:00 PM
Post by: Chip Butty 111 on May 04, 2025, 11:21:45 PM
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?
Post by: Crown Hill on May 04, 2025, 11:25:55 PM
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
Post by: wince on May 04, 2025, 11:45:40 PM
Ffs season end cannot come quick enough and we can all decamp into the off topic thread for a bit after we qualify for Europe
Post by: Somniloquism on May 05, 2025, 12:00:52 AM
No chance of top 5 if Unai employs same tactics and team selections as he did against Man City and Palace.
The same as he did against Fulham?
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 05, 2025, 12:03:02 AM
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.
Spot on.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on May 05, 2025, 01:13:26 AM
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.
Post by: RamboandBruno on May 05, 2025, 06:45:14 AM
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.
If we can be in with a shout going into that last game, its all we can ask for really, hopefully beat man utd and hope Forest and Chelsea cancel each other out.
Post by: john2710 on May 05, 2025, 07:34:44 AM
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.
Following through is definitely not acceptable.
Post by: lovejoy on May 05, 2025, 09:28:43 AM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 05, 2025, 09:32:05 AM
Post by: Dick Edwards on May 05, 2025, 09:48:20 AM
Post by: Rigadon on May 05, 2025, 09:48:43 AM
We need Palace to be 'Palace v Villa' Palace later today too.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 05, 2025, 10:00:49 AM
Post by: Pete3206 on May 05, 2025, 10:06:21 AM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 05, 2025, 10:06:48 AM
Post by: VillaTim on May 05, 2025, 10:26:51 AM
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on May 05, 2025, 06:53:31 PM
Post by: BoVillan esq on May 05, 2025, 07:07:38 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 05, 2025, 10:02:25 PM
Post by: villa for life on May 05, 2025, 10:07:22 PM
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
Post by: eamonn on May 05, 2025, 10:08:26 PM
Brighton and Palace had the best chances at the death in their games but Liverpool being lacklustre at Chelsea was the biggest blow. But hopefully not fatal.
Post by: Beard82 on May 05, 2025, 10:11:25 PM
Post by: letsshakehands on May 05, 2025, 10:12:58 PM
Post by: algy on May 05, 2025, 10:14:43 PM
If we keep winning, we get CL football. Get that and it’ll be a pretty decent season all things considered.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 05, 2025, 10:18:17 PM
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.
If Newcastle and Chelsea draw that’d be a perfect result for us. It would mean they both need to win the other two games.
All the predicated on us winning all three, but if we don’t I think we’re out of the conversation.
Post by: Astnor on May 05, 2025, 10:21:25 PM
Post by: Steve67 on May 05, 2025, 10:22:10 PM
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on May 05, 2025, 10:23:44 PM
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.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 05, 2025, 10:26:17 PM
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.
They often beat Arsenal, but hopefully not this time.
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 05, 2025, 10:28:39 PM
Post by: Dave on May 05, 2025, 10:35:56 PM
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.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 05, 2025, 10:38:02 PM
Post by: IFWaters on May 05, 2025, 10:42:43 PM
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
Post by: Beard82 on May 05, 2025, 10:43:44 PM
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
Post by: Beard82 on May 05, 2025, 10:44:34 PM
Post by: Olof's Beard on May 05, 2025, 11:10:20 PM
Post by: Ian. on May 05, 2025, 11:12:26 PM
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.
And losing those two late goals against our closest side Forest!
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on May 05, 2025, 11:15:50 PM
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.
Didn’t realise but having just looked at Arsenal’ fixtures they’ll still need something against Newcastle and Liverpool as well or Man City will take second spot.
Post by: Somniloquism on May 05, 2025, 11:45:13 PM
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
If we win all three, they have to win all three to stay ahead of us. Pretty much exactly as PWA stated. If they do that then another team above us as also dropped points. Whether that would be enough to put us 5th is another matter.
Post by: Mellin on May 06, 2025, 12:08:16 AM
...great result tonight. Don't want to sound too much like a broken record, but it doesn't matter if any of them draw or lose, just that they drop points in two games. There is no difference.
The requirement is now:
Forest - 1 game
Chelsea and Newcastle - 2 games
If Newcastle and Chelsea draw that would bring them both down to one game. I don't think Forest have it in them to win all three now, so that would leave us needing one game involving a draw or a loss from:
Arsenal - Newcastle
Newcastle - Everton
Chelsea - Man Utd
Forest - Chelsea
Which will probably happen. So next weekend we need to beat Bournemouth and hope those two draw. If that happens I think we'll do it. If we don't beat Bournemouth it ain't happening. If one of them wins it reduces the chances as I'd say whoever wins is safe, as they'll probably win one of those other fixtures.
Post by: JJ-AV on May 06, 2025, 05:46:18 AM
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.
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 06, 2025, 05:47:40 AM
You can make a case for all of them and I can imagine a scenario where we 7 points is enough.
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on May 06, 2025, 06:35:31 AM
Post by: PhilVill on May 06, 2025, 06:41:44 AM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 06, 2025, 06:59:27 AM
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
Yes that’s true, but I’m talking about our chances of top 5 and if we don’t win all three realistically there’s no chance of us making top 5.
Post by: Dick Edwards on May 06, 2025, 07:27:03 AM
Aren't Newcastle usually dreadful in London?Well they weren't in the League Cup semi final at Arsenal a couple of months ago.
Post by: Steve67 on May 06, 2025, 07:34:28 AM
Post by: tomd2103 on May 06, 2025, 09:08:05 AM
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.
Yep, we obviously need to win at Bournemouth, but the best result for us would probably be Newcastle and Chelsea drawing. Would put us a point behind both and them facing big games the following week.
Win both our games and we could potentially be above both going into the last game.
Post by: LeeS on May 06, 2025, 09:54:50 AM
Post by: LeeB on May 06, 2025, 09:56:19 AM
Post by: Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle on May 06, 2025, 10:10:34 AM
Post by: LeeB on May 06, 2025, 10:12:32 AM
We're a mere afterthought looking at BBC Sport this morning and that's how I like it.
Yes I noticed that, there doesn't seem to any comprehension that the teams above us have to play each other.
Post by: VillaTim on May 06, 2025, 10:18:14 AM
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.
Post by: VillaTim on May 06, 2025, 10:20:01 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on May 06, 2025, 10:53:45 AM
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.
Well someone did write in can call us a wildcard. So not sure what the point is.
Post by: Rioch is King on May 06, 2025, 01:27:56 PM
Ipswich Town recently won at Bournemouth. We need to go there full of belief and blow them away.
About time someone mentioned Ipswich
Post by: Somniloquism on May 06, 2025, 02:18:24 PM
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on May 06, 2025, 03:02:31 PM
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on May 06, 2025, 03:26:30 PM
Forest have just taken one point from their last two games, which they would class as very disappointing. It wouldn’t be a huge surprise if they only took 5 points from their last three games, in which case we’d finish above them with another 7.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on May 06, 2025, 03:45:23 PM
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.
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on May 06, 2025, 03:56:47 PM
Post by: Monty on May 06, 2025, 04:06:28 PM
Hoping Leicester kill themselves against Forest, as it's a local Derby.
For Vardy - on 199 Leicester goals - his last. Here's hoping...
Post by: LeeB on May 06, 2025, 04:12:47 PM
Hoping Leicester kill themselves against Forest, as it's a local Derby.
I don't think there's a stonger motivating force in football than spoiling the other teams party, especially when they're up the road.
Post by: Dave on May 06, 2025, 04:20:40 PM
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:
Quote
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
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.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on May 06, 2025, 04:25:08 PM
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.
Yeah, I definitely know what you mean by that, and I suspect it is how it will play out. Chelsea - Forest draw... the dream.
Post by: Steve67 on May 06, 2025, 04:28:49 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 06, 2025, 04:53:24 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 06, 2025, 05:14:17 PM
Post by: pauliewalnuts on May 06, 2025, 05:20:26 PM
Post by: eddiemunster on May 06, 2025, 06:23:47 PM
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!!
Post by: Dave on May 06, 2025, 06:35:58 PM
I still think we'll get into Europe, just not in the CL!!
It would be a spectacular collapse if we didn't get into Europe. It would require us winning no more matches for the rest of the season AND Palace beating Man City in the FA Cup final.
Post by: paul_e on May 06, 2025, 06:51:34 PM
Chelsea and Newcastle are important ones though, playing each other and then with games against Forest and Arsenal there's a lot of points to be dropped there.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 06, 2025, 06:53:38 PM
FFS, how many times?
Post by: Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle on May 06, 2025, 07:03:05 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/SDj0ww0p/file-00000000dc60620a8d6a0425f013eaaa-1.png) (https://ibb.co/SDj0ww0p)
Post by: Smithy on May 06, 2025, 08:16:05 PM
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!!
Yeah, I'm slowly starting to feel that way. If we win the last three (still entirely possible), that would be 9 wins out of 10 to end our season. That's title-winning form, not just CL qualifying form! We've just had too much ground to make up, so we're relying on at least two other teams dropping enough points, and that looks less likely as each round of matches passes.
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on May 06, 2025, 09:12:54 PM
Should we win of course.
Post by: Des Little on May 06, 2025, 09:36:35 PM
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.
*when
Post by: VillaTim on May 06, 2025, 09:46:39 PM
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.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on May 06, 2025, 10:39:00 PM
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.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on May 06, 2025, 10:44:43 PM
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.
Post by: VillaTim on May 06, 2025, 10:58:56 PM
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.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on May 06, 2025, 11:01:49 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 06, 2025, 11:09:48 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 06, 2025, 11:11:22 PM
Post by: Villa Lew on May 06, 2025, 11:13:31 PM
We'll twat Bournemouth 8-0, Spurs 8-0 and sort out the GD.That's what I like positive thinking.
Post by: dave.woodhall on May 06, 2025, 11:30:57 PM
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.
Post by: tomd2103 on May 07, 2025, 12:07:18 AM
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!!
If it wasn't for the financial difference of being in the Champions League, I would be quite content with the Europa League or even the Conference League next season.
The new format makes those two competitions very winnable and there would be less exertion given that we could probably field a weakened side in a lot of the group games.
Being in the Champions League has been special this season though and more than anything, there would be a financial implication to missing out. It is also unquestionable that the profile of the club has been bigger this season given our involvement in the Champions League.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on May 07, 2025, 12:18:34 AM
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.
It's not the miseryarseness, it's the blatantly obviousnessness. I'm down with misery. *insert Bane voice* I was born it, molded by it.
Post by: eamonn on May 07, 2025, 01:13:49 AM
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.
Like Noel Gallagher? We see things they'll never see
Post by: lovejoy on May 07, 2025, 03:18:00 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on May 07, 2025, 03:21:26 PM
Post by: LeeB on May 07, 2025, 03:27:46 PM
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.
They beat us and sell him to Forest or Chelsea instead.
Post by: eamonn on May 07, 2025, 06:08:54 PM
I've taken on kitchen deliveries to reluctant customers. Let that sink in.
Kitchen-sink drama at its finest!
Post by: SteveN on May 07, 2025, 07:31:05 PM
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?
Post by: paul_e on May 07, 2025, 07:33:19 PM
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?
Man City win the cup 7th = Europa
Palace win the cup 7th = Conference
Post by: pauliewalnuts on May 07, 2025, 08:06:10 PM
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.
We shall twat them on the beaches, we shall twat them on the landing grounds, we shall twat them in the fields and in the streets, we shall twat them in the hills; we shall never stop twatting them, the lot of them.
The fucking twats.
Post by: Somniloquism on May 07, 2025, 09:08:06 PM
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?
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 07, 2025, 09:55:30 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 07, 2025, 09:56:32 PM
Post by: IFWaters on May 07, 2025, 09:59:19 PM
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?
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 07, 2025, 10:32:08 PM
Post by: tomd2103 on May 07, 2025, 11:41:16 PM
If Villa aren't involved, a Conference League with no English team would be my preference.
If it is going to be a club like Chelsea who have just sneered at it all the way through, then maybe. I remember the celebrations at Villa Park when we got into it though, so I certainly wouldn't begrudge a club who wanted a taste of European football getting into it.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 08, 2025, 09:48:33 PM
Post by: Beard82 on May 08, 2025, 09:50:15 PM
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
Post by: eamonn on May 08, 2025, 10:06:07 PM
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.
What if we draw which is probably the likely result ?
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 08, 2025, 10:09:55 PM
Post by: LeeS on May 09, 2025, 12:45:00 PM
Post by: VillaTim on May 09, 2025, 12:57:47 PM
All we can do is win though and take it to next weekend and rely on us winning again and someone screwing up.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 09, 2025, 01:14:07 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 09, 2025, 01:25:51 PM
Post by: Rigadon on May 09, 2025, 01:41:40 PM
Post by: Dave on May 09, 2025, 01:47:52 PM
3 wins is what's required. Do that and I think we'll just about get over the line.
If we win three, it means that pretty much everyone else has to win all theirs as well (given Newcastle vs Chelsea and Forest vs Chelsea mean there will be the guarantee of points dropped elsewhere).
It doesn't quite make it mathematically certain, but it would be a strange set of circumstances if three wins didn't equate to at least fifth.
Post by: Somniloquism on May 09, 2025, 01:49:28 PM
Post by: Keeno on May 09, 2025, 02:17:21 PM
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.
League position doesn't really matter after this weekend. It'll go to the final day either way - we just have to win every game.
Bottom line is: if Newcastle and Chelsea draw, and Newcastle don't beat Arsenal away at the Emirates, we're in.
IF we win all three of course - but that has to happen in any scenario.
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 10, 2025, 07:33:59 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 10, 2025, 07:37:17 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 10, 2025, 07:42:49 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 10, 2025, 07:45:23 PM
Post by: aldridgeboy on May 10, 2025, 07:45:33 PM
Top 7 guaranteed. Europe here we come. Again.
If palace win the cup and Chelsea win the conference can 7th miss out still?
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 10, 2025, 07:46:11 PM
Top 7 guaranteed. Europe here we come. Again.
If palace win the cup and Chelsea win the conference can 7th miss out still?
No.
Post by: aldridgeboy on May 10, 2025, 07:49:13 PM
Top 7 guaranteed. Europe here we come. Again.
If palace win the cup and Chelsea win the conference can 7th miss out still?
No.
Excellent , thank you PWS
Post by: Somniloquism on May 10, 2025, 07:49:25 PM
Top 7 guaranteed. Europe here we come. Again.
If palace win the cup and Chelsea win the conference can 7th miss out still?
Top five is Champs, 6th is Uefa, 7th is Conference as is. Only change would be if Citeh win the cup which would mean 7th is Uefa and 8th is Conference.
Post by: PhilVill on May 10, 2025, 07:50:10 PM
Post by: garyellis on May 10, 2025, 07:50:39 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on May 10, 2025, 07:52:54 PM
But they do have to play on the Tuesday after the FA Cup and then the Sunday.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 10, 2025, 07:55:07 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on May 10, 2025, 07:56:17 PM
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.
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on May 10, 2025, 08:00:19 PM
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!
Post by: dave.woodhall on May 10, 2025, 08:01:51 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 10, 2025, 08:03:36 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on May 10, 2025, 08:03:58 PM
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!
All this.
Post by: Somniloquism on May 10, 2025, 08:09:39 PM
Citeh drop points against the bottom of the table are on 65. They have to play three games in a week including Bournemouth and Fulham. If Citeh have won the cup it puts Europe in play for 8th for Bournemouth specifically if not still Fulham.
Geordies and Chelsea on 63 with us and are playing tomorrow.
Us 63.
Forest on 61 and playing their local rivals tomorrow.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 10, 2025, 08:11:06 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 10, 2025, 08:12:52 PM
Post by: alan_clarke on May 10, 2025, 08:13:24 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 10, 2025, 08:15:00 PM
We could well be 1pt behind Arsenal going into the last game of the season…
I really hope we aren't.
Post by: maidstonevillain on May 10, 2025, 08:24:31 PM
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.
I was thinking that a good scenario would be for Chelsea to beat Newcastle and to beat Forest. But if we win our 2 games, and Chelsea draw those 2 games, we are guaranteed CL.
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on May 10, 2025, 08:30:01 PM
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!!
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 10, 2025, 08:32:02 PM
Post by: Mellin on May 10, 2025, 08:33:12 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on May 10, 2025, 08:33:39 PM
Forget about catching Arsenal, they will get to 70+ points.
Starting a week on Sunday hopefully.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 10, 2025, 08:35:46 PM
Post by: Mellin on May 10, 2025, 08:35:51 PM
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!!
Doesn't matter if Newcastle, Chelsea or Forest draw or lose any of their remaining games. Just that they drop points. Newcastle two games, Chelsea two games, Forest one game. City are different and need to lose one. A draw wouldn't be enough.
With that in mind, Newcastle - Chelsea draw is the one, as would put them both down to one game where any form of dropped points is required
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on May 10, 2025, 09:02:50 PM
I think we're gonna do it...for the first time since about September.
Sadly, I think we'll miss out on goal difference.
Post by: rob_bridge on May 10, 2025, 09:10:42 PM
I wonder if they'll make a banner for us. Good Luck Villa from the City of London.
City of Surrey
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 10, 2025, 09:12:40 PM
We could well be 1pt behind Arsenal going into the last game of the season…
I really hope we aren't.
Indeed, we need them beating Newcastle.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 10, 2025, 09:24:52 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 10, 2025, 09:28:16 PM
Post by: Mellin on May 10, 2025, 09:35:22 PM
Post by: darren woolley on May 10, 2025, 10:00:31 PM
Post by: eamonn on May 10, 2025, 10:30:54 PM
Post by: Hookeysmith on May 10, 2025, 10:35:07 PM
Post by: tomd2103 on May 11, 2025, 12:58:18 AM
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 have been thinking that a draw between Chelsea and Newcastle might be the best result for us, but actually now slightly leaning to a Chelsea win. That means we'll be on the same points as Newcastle and will go 3 points ahead of them if we win on Friday night. Big pressure then on them at Arsenal and would mean that a defeat there and we'd be 3 points ahead of them going into the last game.
Hoping Leicester can pick themselves up and get so.ething out of their game with Forest.
Post by: stevo_st on May 11, 2025, 08:26:48 AM
They give a 91.2% chance for City, 69.4% for Newcastle and 67.9% for Chelsea.
For Forest it's 37.8% and for Villa it's 34.2%”
Ours is up from 15.5% - guess it might double again if we beat Spurs.
Post by: stevo_st on May 11, 2025, 08:36:12 AM
Post by: saint13 on May 11, 2025, 08:40:35 AM
However, yesterday was massive as it was the game where I thought we would slip up.
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.
We will then just have to wait and hope on the other results.
Post by: algy on May 11, 2025, 08:52:54 AM
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 …
Post by: Dave on May 11, 2025, 08:54:00 AM
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.
As DW suggests upthread, if they do win the final, spend two days on the piss and then know that losing to us could stop one of Arsenal, Man City or Chelsea qualifying next season you can imagine them not being too upset to lose to us.
Just another reason to reluctantly prefer a Man Utd win over a Spurs win in the final.
Post by: Nii Lamptey on May 11, 2025, 09:31:59 AM
(https://i.ibb.co/N24Gj0QL/Whats-App-Image-2025-05-10-at-17-42-26-199b25fd.jpg) (https://ibb.co/N24Gj0QL)
Post by: Nii Lamptey on May 11, 2025, 09:35:15 AM
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 …
Perfectly put Algy. We need points slip ups from the other teams, goal difference is a write off. It's basically shit or bust for us.
Post by: Crown Hill on May 11, 2025, 09:43:58 AM
I wonder if they'll make a banner for us. Good Luck Villa from the City of London.
That made this batch muncher smile!
Post by: Mellin on May 11, 2025, 09:57:21 AM
Provided we win both games etc etc. Barely need to bother with that caveat at this stage.
Post by: nigel on May 11, 2025, 10:07:15 AM
That’s the impression I got from MotD yesterday.
Post by: Dave on May 11, 2025, 10:08:41 AM
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.
Post by: Paul.S on May 11, 2025, 10:10:38 AM
Post by: nigel on May 11, 2025, 10:14:53 AM
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.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 11, 2025, 10:21:32 AM
Cheers Dave
I think it was the Newcastle Carling Cup win that’s thrown me.
Understandable, I don't think anyone of us under 70 are used to Newcastle winning a trophy.
Post by: john e on May 11, 2025, 10:27:52 AM
Our record up there is abysmal, they could put their women’s team out and we still lose
They’ve been piss poor all season and we couldn’t even beat them at Villa Park, we still have a collective bottle job mentality when it comes to them
Then again I didn’t think we’d win at Bournemouth because of our poor record and we managed to overturn that bogey
So we live in Hope and fear
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 11, 2025, 10:51:42 AM
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.
Post by: Dave on May 11, 2025, 10:54:45 AM
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.
Although Newcastle have already beaten Arsenal three times this season without conceding a goal. They're Arsenal's version of Palace for us.
I think more fun is Arsenal losing their next two and knowing they HAVE to beat a demob happy Southampton on the last day to avoid finishing seventh.
Which they then fail to do.
Post by: aj2k77 on May 11, 2025, 10:59:33 AM
I think it would be lovely though to complete our Champions League comeback from nowhere and fucking destroy them at the Theatre of Cockneys.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 11, 2025, 11:06:04 AM
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.
I'd imagine that if they've won the Europa League, and Citeh are still in the mix for a CL spot, the home fans wouldn't be that distraught with a Villa win.
Post by: JUAN PABLO on May 11, 2025, 12:15:57 PM
If Villa win last 2 they will qualify , Ive even put chelsea to win today in the predictions.
https://www.worldfootball.net/table_calculator/eng-premier-league/
Arsenal could finish 4th
Post by: darren woolley on May 11, 2025, 01:15:24 PM
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.
Totally agree.
Post by: OCD on May 11, 2025, 01:17:12 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 11, 2025, 01:55:39 PM
Post by: Villan82 on May 11, 2025, 01:56:56 PM
Post by: Mellin on May 11, 2025, 01:57:29 PM
Newcastle - 2 games
Chelsea - 1 game
Forest - 1 game
Post by: Keeno on May 11, 2025, 02:02:11 PM
Post by: eamonn on May 11, 2025, 02:05:20 PM
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.
Post by: john e on May 11, 2025, 02:09:05 PM
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.
Never thought about that, the permutations are many varied and unreal
We’ll be needing Alan Turing to make a comeback and work it all out
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 11, 2025, 02:09:56 PM
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.
Yeah, Forest drawing today and/or against West Ham would be fine.
Post by: dr.chekov on May 11, 2025, 02:11:35 PM
Post by: Mellin on May 11, 2025, 02:12:27 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 11, 2025, 02:12:54 PM
We've gained on 2 sides this weekend, and with slumping Forest still to play.
Post by: Villan82 on May 11, 2025, 02:15:02 PM
Sky has us as 30.1% chance of making top 5.
That feels about right.
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on May 11, 2025, 02:32:56 PM
Post by: Dave on May 11, 2025, 02:37:00 PM
We've gained on 2 sides this weekend, and with slumping Forest still to play.
Can I interest you in a counter-opinion that because Chelsea lost the world is now caving in and we might as well just all give up and go home, as per the Other Games thread?
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 11, 2025, 03:01:26 PM
Post by: TaxDodger on May 11, 2025, 03:37:34 PM
Post by: eamonn on May 11, 2025, 03:39:01 PM
Need either Chelsea or Forest to drop points next weekend or we’re fucked.
Can't see Forest winning at Wham.
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on May 11, 2025, 03:44:03 PM
Need either Chelsea or Forest to drop points next weekend or we’re fucked.
Can't see Forest winning at Wham.
It's the final home game for the chimpanzee suckers and will want to go out with a bang. Tough game for Notts Forest.
Post by: Richard on May 11, 2025, 04:15:01 PM
Post by: TaxDodger on May 11, 2025, 04:16:36 PM
Post by: eamonn on May 11, 2025, 04:16:40 PM
They're crap but there are limits, y'know?
Post by: Tokyo Sexwhale on May 11, 2025, 04:18:54 PM
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.
Post by: dave.woodhall on May 11, 2025, 04:19:45 PM
Post by: stevo_st on May 11, 2025, 04:24:27 PM
Post by: Astnor on May 11, 2025, 04:27:43 PM
Post by: Astnor on May 11, 2025, 04:29:57 PM
Post by: RamboandBruno on May 11, 2025, 04:30:41 PM
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?
Post by: Chip Butty 111 on May 11, 2025, 04:35:42 PM
Post by: Martyn Smith on May 11, 2025, 04:47:31 PM
Post by: Martyn Smith on May 11, 2025, 04:51:55 PM
I mean, I agree with the Europa winners qualifying for the CL next season. It's just that this particular set of circumstances is most strange...
Post by: Matt C on May 11, 2025, 04:52:05 PM
Post by: Tokyo Sexwhale on May 11, 2025, 04:53:27 PM
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.
We can also add Arsenal losing against their last 2 games as another out at this rate. Unfortunately their last games are against Newcastle (where we want them to win) and Southampton (where they won't lose).
EDIT: Only needs one of those scenarios to happen (I'd originally included us winning both games as an option).
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on May 11, 2025, 04:58:58 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 11, 2025, 05:00:57 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 11, 2025, 05:10:33 PM
Post by: brontebilly on May 11, 2025, 05:18:29 PM
Post by: eamonn on May 11, 2025, 05:23:28 PM
Post by: Tokyo Sexwhale on May 11, 2025, 06:08:50 PM
Post by: dave.woodhall on May 11, 2025, 06:16:09 PM
Did you ever see Doug on the pitch after a game at VP?
I saw him play there.
Post by: Somniloquism on May 11, 2025, 06:17:26 PM
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").
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 11, 2025, 06:19:12 PM
Did you ever see Doug on the pitch after a game at VP?
I saw him play there.
Overhead kick?
Post by: yammers on May 11, 2025, 06:22:08 PM
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?
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 11, 2025, 06:25:54 PM
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?
Came on the pitch at full time and seemed to have a go (verbally) at Nuno
Post by: yammers on May 11, 2025, 06:27:32 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 11, 2025, 06:28:18 PM
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
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 11, 2025, 06:31:14 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 11, 2025, 06:33:31 PM
2. Arsenal 72
3. Man City 71
4. Newcastle 70
5. Chelsea 69
6. Villa 66
7. Forest 63
Post by: Flamingo Lane on May 11, 2025, 06:33:49 PM
Post by: Rigadon on May 11, 2025, 06:36:17 PM
Post by: eamonn on May 11, 2025, 06:36:45 PM
Post by: adrenachrome on May 11, 2025, 06:38:13 PM
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
Demis Roussos is out of his pram.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 11, 2025, 06:40:04 PM
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
West Ham have been utter drek for months. They only managed a win against the corpse of Man Utd because every fucker wins there now (until we rock up). Foresr are looking very wobbly but let's not big up the Hammers too much.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 11, 2025, 06:42:03 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 11, 2025, 06:44:48 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 11, 2025, 06:46:54 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 11, 2025, 06:47:04 PM
Post by: JUAN PABLO on May 11, 2025, 06:48:12 PM
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
weird thing is , he kind of looks like he is having a go at him for hugging one of their players who he probably played for at spurzzz , because he should be thanking him for being in europe.
Post by: Beard82 on May 11, 2025, 06:58:42 PM
win our last 2 games and the lowest we can finish is 6.
Arsenal drawing is good I think (though a hammering would have been better so they needed to respond). But if they lose against Newcastle then they go third in a 2 two horse race which would put the pressure on lego man + it would mean they need at least a point on the last day.
Draw between the two would mean that Newcastle have to beat Everton and Arsenal get a point against Southampton.
Need chelsea to drop points in there last 2. I think if we win the last 2 we'll be unlucky not to qualify.
That last minute conceeding against Man City was a real shame as otherwise we would be favourites to qualify now.
Post by: Villan82 on May 11, 2025, 07:17:50 PM
We really could do with Chelsea dropping points in game week 37 - just to ease the pressure on us
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 11, 2025, 07:37:08 PM
Man City losing to Bournemouth or Fulham or drawing both looks more likely, but they've a decade of mostly winning big games and I can't remember them ever not winning on the last day when it actually matters. Well, not this century anyway.
Chelsea seem the best best. They'll obviously beat Man U's reserves, so it would come down to whether Forest can get something. All the momentum seems with Chelsea at the moment but you never know, I suppose. Forest away shouldn't be easy.
Still, it's largely irrelevant anyway as we never win in Manchester.
Post by: aldridgeboy on May 11, 2025, 07:45:52 PM
The last day at old Trafford worries me though. I can’t lie.
Post by: dave.woodhall on May 11, 2025, 07:50:42 PM
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.
Post by: adrenachrome on May 11, 2025, 07:59:29 PM
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.
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on May 11, 2025, 08:04:20 PM
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.
Post by: adrenachrome on May 11, 2025, 08:07:30 PM
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.
Post by: VillaTim on May 11, 2025, 08:26:15 PM
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on May 11, 2025, 08:29:23 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 11, 2025, 08:31:48 PM
If Palace win the cup, we could clinch it if Forest lose to West Ham on Sunday after Villa defeat Tottenham on Friday, or if Forest draw, following on from a Villa win and Chelsea failing to beat Man U in the other Friday evening game.
Post by: VillaTim on May 11, 2025, 08:36:25 PM
Post by: eamonn on May 11, 2025, 08:37:55 PM
It's still got some prestige, gives a route into the CL the following season but also can't be that difficult given the shower of shit in the final this year.
We're unlikely to win the CL in the near-future so for a year of non-Galacticos arriving, I'd accept it for a cup.
Post by: Ozzjim on May 11, 2025, 08:40:48 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 11, 2025, 08:46:12 PM
Post by: eamonn on May 11, 2025, 08:46:40 PM
Post by: tomd2103 on May 11, 2025, 08:46:59 PM
Post by: villa for life on May 11, 2025, 08:49:22 PM
Potter 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.
Post by: Villa in Denmark on May 11, 2025, 08:51:40 PM
Potter is a villa fan , he's finally getting a tune out of that rabble . Think they will beat forest .
What's that got to do with the price of fish?
Post by: Charlie8182 on May 11, 2025, 08:54:07 PM
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.
I thought I was alone in thinking that, apart from being much more able to afford going to the games it’s a trophy we could also realistically win.
Post by: VillaTim on May 11, 2025, 08:57:11 PM
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.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 11, 2025, 09:00:15 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 11, 2025, 09:01:08 PM
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.
Post by: Martyn Smith on May 11, 2025, 09:03:42 PM
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
Post by: VillaTim on May 11, 2025, 09:03:43 PM
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.
Post by: Somniloquism on May 11, 2025, 09:21:55 PM
Potter is a villa fan , he's finally getting a tune out of that rabble . Think they will beat forest .
Last 6 is DLDLDW with the win coming in a 6 pointer against another bottom of the table side. Nah I don't think he has got any tune out of that rabble at all.
Post by: Somniloquism on May 11, 2025, 09:25:04 PM
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.
If us and Chelsea win, they can't finish 6th so are stuck there whatever the result. Although the groundmen will be asking Nuno for Forest to win as they don't want the owner out walking on the pitch again.
Post by: Somniloquism on May 11, 2025, 09:28:49 PM
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
Randy was 2006, Etihad opened 2003. Dave might have got his O' managers mixed up as it was Dolly then.
Post by: dave.woodhall on May 11, 2025, 09:38:22 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 11, 2025, 09:40:01 PM
Post by: VillaTim on May 11, 2025, 09:42:14 PM
Post by: Dave on May 11, 2025, 09:42:48 PM
Post by: tomd2103 on May 11, 2025, 09:42:58 PM
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.
I agree with the sentiment, but sadly I think the financial disparity between being in the different competitions means qualifying for the Champions League has become huge.
Post by: Max Villan on May 11, 2025, 09:45:15 PM
Sorry, the Emirates. Ellis was still in charge but Randy's bid was in the process of being accepted.
It was Laursen that Ellis moaned about (as people have picked you up on it!)
Post by: Baldy on May 11, 2025, 09:52:58 PM
Hopefully we will qualify in top five but if we miss out on goal difference I will be really pissed off. There were times this season we took the lead but instead of going for the jugular we sat back, dilly dallied and conserved our energy.
I hope it's a lesson we don't learn the hard way.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 11, 2025, 09:54:52 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on May 11, 2025, 09:58:19 PM
Post by: VillaTim on May 11, 2025, 09:59:25 PM
We are a class squad now , just misfiring slightly. Get summer right we can win things next season .
Post by: Keeno on May 11, 2025, 10:05:55 PM
▪️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?
Post by: Beard82 on May 11, 2025, 10:06:41 PM
Anything more the Conference League would be amazing. At the beginning of the season I thought it would be a huge achievement to get top 6 given all the ins and out and UCL and I think thats proven true. The fact we could get that whilst still think "what could have been" shows how well we have done.
Ultimately as long as we have Unai - I am fairly relaxed - he'll have us there or there abouts going forward. The standard of the league this year has been poor - and it does feel like there is a bit of a changing of the guard. Man City, Man Utd, Spurs all feel like they need a rebuild, and tbf liverpool dont seem that far off. Chelsea is always a few results from a crisis. - and id back us to strengthen at least as well as any of them in the summer.
Post by: Somniloquism on May 11, 2025, 10:07:16 PM
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?
Hopefully, but if it doesn't so be it. We tried our best in the end and as long as we do all we can in the next two matches, I won't be disappointed.
Post by: Beard82 on May 11, 2025, 10:10:52 PM
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?
I think if we win our 2 games - we would be very unlucky not to make it - but also fair enough - others will have held there nerve and fair play to them if thats how it plays out.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 11, 2025, 10:13:21 PM
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.
Post by: malckennedy on May 11, 2025, 10:14:42 PM
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?
Think Newcastle only have to beat Arsenal OR Everton to finish higher than us.
Post by: andyh on May 11, 2025, 10:15:37 PM
That’s all we can do, beat those fuckers next week and take it to the last game.
Post by: dave.woodhall on May 11, 2025, 10:35:04 PM
Still wrong, then. Mellberg started the game (and scored the first ever goal at the stadium).
Nobody likes a smart bottom.
Post by: rob_bridge on May 11, 2025, 10:45:30 PM
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?
I think one it is eminently possible for the all the top 3 to happen.
Let's beat Spurs and then look at permutations because they will exist going into last Sunday
Post by: tomd2103 on May 11, 2025, 10:58:03 PM
But what if that conserving energy meant we got more points later in the season?
From memory, we had about 3 or 4 quite heavy defeats in the first half of the season which probably did our goal difference some damage.
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on May 12, 2025, 05:23:27 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on May 12, 2025, 09:11:52 AM
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. He actually got the Chelsea one wrong as that could be an OR.
Post by: Perthvillan on May 12, 2025, 09:13:44 AM
I think it's between us and Chelsea for 5th now.
We have Forest covered.
We just need to win both our games (definitely possible on the evidence of yesterday) and hope Chelsea slip up at home to Man U or at Forest (certainly a possibility).
UTV
Post by: paul_e on May 12, 2025, 09:15:05 AM
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?
Post by: Somniloquism on May 12, 2025, 09:16:02 AM
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?
We start 30 mins beforehand.....
Post by: Dave on May 12, 2025, 09:16:25 AM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 12, 2025, 09:17:42 AM
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.
Only if we overturn a goal difference advantage of sixteen. If they win either, they'll be above us. We can forget about Newcastle.
Post by: Somniloquism on May 12, 2025, 09:21:27 AM
Post by: Smithy on May 12, 2025, 09:25:35 AM
If you'd offered me the last two games against the 16th and 17th placed teams, who both have a cup final to worry about, I'd have snapped your hand off. It's just a shame it's those two teams that we don't have particularly good records against in recent times.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 12, 2025, 09:28:55 AM
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.
Post by: Somniloquism on May 12, 2025, 09:32:05 AM
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.
Quote
Newcastle don't beat neither Arsenal and Everton
Post by: eamonn on May 12, 2025, 09:34:30 AM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 12, 2025, 09:35:15 AM
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
"Newcastle beat neither Arsenal nor Everton".
Post by: Somniloquism on May 12, 2025, 09:43:52 AM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 12, 2025, 09:49:31 AM
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on May 12, 2025, 10:03:32 AM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 12, 2025, 10:26:26 AM
Post by: Reuben on May 12, 2025, 10:31:25 AM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 12, 2025, 10:33:10 AM
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.
Post by: IFWaters on May 12, 2025, 10:51:08 AM
How far we have come if that's the case. I wouldn't mind it if I knew we could keep all our best players for next season because if we can then we can be right in the mix not just for CL places but to actually win the league.
I don't think Liverpool are that much better and they are getting on now whereas our best players are coming into their prime and we are already on a level with those around us.
Post by: Drummond on May 12, 2025, 10:58:53 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on May 12, 2025, 11:07:25 AM
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.
Only confusion seems to have been from you not noticing the word AND and substituting OR. It might be because the first scenario should have been OR as we only need Chelsea to drop point in one match, not both if we win both our matches.
Also isn't it "neither/nor" and not "neither/and"?
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 12, 2025, 11:18:30 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 12, 2025, 11:28:28 AM
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.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 12, 2025, 11:33:24 AM
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.
Post by: OCD on May 12, 2025, 11:38:52 AM
Post by: OCD on May 12, 2025, 11:39:29 AM
I thought Newcastle were rubbish yesterday- particularly second half - and pretty lucky.
If they play like that against Everton, I wouldn't be totally surprised if Everton acted as spoilers and got something.
Post by: eamonn on May 12, 2025, 11:39:57 AM
Post by: itmustbe_it is! on May 12, 2025, 11:47:34 AM
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 !
Post by: Drummond on May 12, 2025, 11:48:58 AM
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.
Yep, they do.
Post by: Drummond on May 12, 2025, 11:49:50 AM
Maybe but Drummond has been demanding in his own way for many years now. What more can he do?
My own way isn't very demanding at all. Silent but deadly approach from me.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 12, 2025, 11:52:12 AM
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 !
Yep, I think that's right.
Post by: algy on May 12, 2025, 12:08:17 PM
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.
Post by: Keeno on May 12, 2025, 12:14:55 PM
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.
Agreed - it's worth saying too that the Europa League would offer us 2 routes into the Champions League next season, rather than one. And we have the best Europa League manager of all time managing us. So could make for an incredibly fun season.
That Forest draw yesterday really makes it likely we can secure Europa even if things don't go our way for Champions League.
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on May 12, 2025, 12:20:41 PM
Post by: Dave on May 12, 2025, 12:27:32 PM
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.
Post by: dave.woodhall on May 12, 2025, 12:37:11 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 12, 2025, 12:44:03 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 12, 2025, 12:45:15 PM
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.
This is correct. Also, Sunday games are shite.
Post by: teamvillage on May 12, 2025, 01:12:18 PM
They have us at 20% of finishing 7th. That would have to happen plus Palace beat Man City in the cup final for us to end up in the Conference League.
Post by: Brend'Watkins on May 12, 2025, 01:19:30 PM
Post by: Smithy on May 12, 2025, 01:24:31 PM
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.
Yes, because they both have 4 wins and a draw, to our four wins and a loss. Go back 6 games, 8 games, 10 games, we're top of the form table in all of them. Our only blip in the last 8 league games is the last-minute loss to Man City.
If we can maintain our momentum on Friday, I think we'll do it.
Post by: Olof's Beard on May 12, 2025, 01:26:28 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 12, 2025, 01:29:06 PM
What happened at Old Trafford though? Lost to a goal from Ratface.
That was then, this is now.
Post by: paul_e on May 12, 2025, 01:35:05 PM
Post by: VillaTim on May 12, 2025, 01:44:23 PM
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
Post by: devilla on May 12, 2025, 01:45:52 PM
Post by: Pat Mustard on May 12, 2025, 02:04:48 PM
Post by: rougegorge on May 12, 2025, 02:54:29 PM
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.
If Palace do win the Cup, then 4 points from our last two games would guarantee at least Europa League.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 12, 2025, 02:59:53 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 12, 2025, 05:12:36 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 12, 2025, 05:18:25 PM
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on May 12, 2025, 05:20:43 PM
Post by: stevo_st on May 12, 2025, 05:30:55 PM
Up from 15.2% the week before.
Post by: Smirker on May 12, 2025, 05:31:28 PM
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.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 12, 2025, 05:32:17 PM
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.
If he's looking for me in The Barton's, I'm the one with the Northern accent, honest!
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on May 12, 2025, 06:21:42 PM
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.
Is our squad likely to have no departures though? If we just added in the positions you mentioned I could see your thinking but I don’t think it’s likely.
Post by: OCD on May 12, 2025, 06:32:10 PM
'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.
Post by: Mellin on May 12, 2025, 06:35:14 PM
Agreed on the league thing. If Konsa had connected that header, we'd probably be playing in a Champions League final too. We're comfortably better than Arsenal at this precise moment.
Fine margins, but we're a really good side. Hope we can get this done and take another step. Momentum is everything and missing out could be really costly.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 12, 2025, 06:37:47 PM
'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.
Those predictor things are a load of shite
Post by: Mellin on May 12, 2025, 06:39:50 PM
Post by: Rigadon on May 12, 2025, 06:45:40 PM
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.
This is what I think too. We’re so close with this manager.
Post by: IFWaters on May 12, 2025, 07:19:58 PM
Post by: Rigadon on May 12, 2025, 07:21:33 PM
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.
Oh yes. Shudder!
Post by: Somniloquism on May 12, 2025, 09:10:46 PM
# Club Pts
1 Liverpool FC 70
2 Arsenal FC 58
3 Nottingham Forest 54
4 Newcastle United 50
5 Chelsea FC 49
6 Manchester City 48
7 Brighton & Hove Albion 47
8 Fulham FC 45
9 Aston Villa 45
10 AFC Bournemouth 44
11 Brentford FC 41
12 Crystal Palace 39
13 Manchester United 37
14 Tottenham Hotspur 34
15 Everton FC 34
16 West Ham United 34
17 Wolverhampton Wanderers 26
18 Ipswich Town 17
19 Leicester City 17
20 Southampton FC 9
It shows us how far we have come with the most points gained 18 points in those 7 matches. Citeh are second with 17. Bottom is Manure on 2 and then Southampton, followed by Spurs.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 13, 2025, 12:29:10 PM
Forest draw 3-3 with West Ham, beat Chelsea 4-3.
Chelsea fail to beat Man U.
Result: Villa and Forest have to playoff for final Champions League spot. That would be exciting.
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on May 13, 2025, 12:32:18 PM
Post by: PeterWithe on May 14, 2025, 10:58:26 AM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on May 14, 2025, 11:09:16 AM
Post by: AV82EC on May 14, 2025, 11:09:45 AM
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?
Straight to League.
Post by: PeterWithe on May 14, 2025, 11:27:00 AM
Post by: LeeB on May 14, 2025, 11:31:15 AM
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.
Excellent point.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 14, 2025, 04:39:00 PM
Post by: aldridgeboy on May 14, 2025, 04:56:29 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on May 14, 2025, 08:41:51 PM
Post by: VillaTim on May 14, 2025, 10:05:30 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on May 14, 2025, 10:08:44 PM
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).
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 14, 2025, 10:11:51 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on May 14, 2025, 10:13:24 PM
Bully Wee legend. Hope he's wrong about Villa.
He has us a lot closer then you do with your predictions.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 14, 2025, 10:30:40 PM
Post by: VillaTim on May 14, 2025, 10:31:37 PM
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).
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on May 14, 2025, 10:32:53 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 14, 2025, 10:36:53 PM
Pat Nevin reckons we will miss out on GD .
He also likes the Cocteau Twins and Genesis so there's still hope.
Post by: LeeB on May 15, 2025, 09:05:53 AM
Pat Nevin reckons we will miss out on GD .
He also likes the Cocteau Twins and Genesis so there's still hope.
I agree with him.
About the results, not the Cocteau Twins and Genesis.
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.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on May 15, 2025, 09:11:32 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on May 15, 2025, 09:14:34 AM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/videos/c4gkjj06jngo
Post by: Dave on May 15, 2025, 09:15:07 AM
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 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.
Post by: eamonn on May 15, 2025, 09:15:48 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on May 15, 2025, 09:16:48 AM
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 suspect it will depend on how many first teamers he drops AND how up for it their replacements are. Similar to our boat on Friday and the final Sunday.
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 15, 2025, 09:17:00 AM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 15, 2025, 09:17:00 AM
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).
Post by: Dave on May 15, 2025, 09:17:38 AM
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).
Well, I'll be quiet then. They'll just have to lose against Forest instead.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 15, 2025, 09:18:40 AM
If Forest get beaten at W Ham, will they be out of the Euro places assuming us and Chelsea win ?
They're already guaranteed European football. They'd be out of the running for a place in the Champions League in those circumstances. Whether they qualify for Europa League or Conference League would depend on who wins the FA Cup, their final league game would make no odds as they'd be guaranteed seventh.
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on May 15, 2025, 09:19:01 AM
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.
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 15, 2025, 09:20:18 AM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 15, 2025, 09:22:22 AM
Post by: LeeB on May 15, 2025, 09:22:35 AM
So we need them to win at Wham, to be up for th Chelsea game, assuming we win both?
Yes, we need them to still have a chance if they beat Chelsea and we don't win at Old Trafford.
Post by: andyh on May 15, 2025, 09:23:45 AM
We have to get 6 points in the next 2 games and hope that Chelsea don’t.
It’s that simple really.
Post by: LeeB on May 15, 2025, 09:24:28 AM
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 by: Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle on May 15, 2025, 09:24:52 AM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 15, 2025, 09:26:17 AM
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.
It's considerably less simple. We could still qualify if both Villa and Chelsea get six points depending on how Arsenal, Newcastle and Man City get on. We could even qualify with two draws if we're incredibly lucky with other results.
Post by: Monty on May 15, 2025, 09:27:01 AM
Post by: Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle on May 15, 2025, 09:27:19 AM
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 by: lovejoy on May 15, 2025, 09:34:27 AM
Answers on a postcard please to Peter Gabriel competition....
Post by: Sexual Ealing on May 15, 2025, 09:34:39 AM
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.
Post by: lovejoy on May 15, 2025, 09:35:59 AM
At the very least I want top 6 so I don't have to want Man City to win anything.
What will be frustrating is if we finish 6th and then City get a points deduction for their infractions which applies next season. I think if we miss 5th we should aspire to 6th in case City get punish as they should.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 15, 2025, 09:38:38 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 15, 2025, 09:40:36 AM
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.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 15, 2025, 09:41:43 AM
Post by: LeeS on May 15, 2025, 10:49:14 AM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 15, 2025, 11:11:19 AM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 15, 2025, 11:27:51 AM
Post by: Drummond on May 15, 2025, 11:49:34 AM
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.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 15, 2025, 11:52:34 AM
Post by: Brend'Watkins on May 15, 2025, 12:40:31 PM
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.
Post by: OCD on May 15, 2025, 12:55:04 PM
Post by: Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle on May 15, 2025, 01:08:29 PM
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.
Freddie? When did he leave?
Post by: Hookeysmith on May 15, 2025, 01:48:23 PM
Arsenal vs Newcastle - both cannot win and are both 5 and 3 points respectively above us at present - a draw is ok also but does stop our ability to get 2nd on GD
Bournemouth - fresh from a victory at Arsenal, will give 118 a game and could take 1 or all points - 118 currently 2 points above us
So assuming we beat Spurs we can go into the last game with a lot of options - cannot ask for more than that
Fulham are no mugs at home
Everton can be stubborn buggers and get something at Jawdiedome
Need to bring the house down tomorrow night
And we have (currently) a lot of momentum
Post by: Somniloquism on May 15, 2025, 01:53:09 PM
Post by: OCD on May 15, 2025, 02:22:18 PM
Post by: Hookeysmith on May 15, 2025, 02:57:58 PM
If they win the cup = Will they go into the last game, parade the trophy and show their tossers who support them all is well and onto next season - beat the Villa - same as it ever was?
Lose the final - Having to play knowing no European football for next season, especially Champs league, and their players having to face a potential boo fest from when (hopefully) our first goal goes in. The financial issues will cripple them, especially in the face of trying to get rid of half of their current over valued, over paid knob head players. Man of the people Radcliffe will probably start sacking people before the end of the game.
So with the vomit rising in my throat - i have to say "Come on you Spurs in the final" :'( :o
Post by: Drummond on May 15, 2025, 03:02:38 PM
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.
Yep. That's my guess.
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 15, 2025, 03:11:41 PM
Post by: Dogtanian on May 15, 2025, 03:38:25 PM
As of today, there are 59,049 permutations that can impact the top 7. Only 33% of those see us get top 5, with 37% seeing us get 6th.
Boooo. >:(
So, I re-ran the Muskahound Supercomputer, removing our fixtures and instead setting our final number of points.
| 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% |
So, that's settled.
I now have to go and bury my code in the garden to stop those Opta chumps trying to steal my secrets. 8)
Post by: Dave on May 15, 2025, 03:41:00 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on May 15, 2025, 03:42:50 PM
Post by: Clampy on May 15, 2025, 03:48:26 PM
Post by: Dogtanian on May 15, 2025, 03:48:34 PM
I've just had a peak at the daunting list of updated topics... :-\
Post by: LeeS on May 15, 2025, 04:19:33 PM
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.
Post by: Drummond on May 15, 2025, 04:35:15 PM
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.
In summary..
We will
We won't
He's shit
He's great
He's going
He's staying
He's coming
He's not
It's looking the wrong way
It's not big enough
Where's my beer?
That lot.... Hahahahahahahaha
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 15, 2025, 05:03:19 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 15, 2025, 05:04:15 PM
Cheers!
I've just had a peak at the daunting list of updated topics... :-\
Get the Muskehounds to help out.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 15, 2025, 07:46:12 PM
Post by: Dave on May 15, 2025, 07:48:20 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 15, 2025, 07:54:11 PM
Uh oh, not the best players that have won one league game since February.
He’s a Villa fan isn’t he? I’ll put it down to our natural pessimism. On the plus side, he also mentioned Chelsea’s terrible record against Man Utd.
Post by: OCD on May 15, 2025, 08:33:22 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 15, 2025, 08:36:47 PM
Uh oh, not the best players that have won one league game since February.
Exactly, this lot are fucking wank
Post by: itbrvilla on May 16, 2025, 11:45:06 AM
Post by: Steve67 on May 16, 2025, 12:18:38 PM
I read this morning that there is some suggestion of a 6th ECL spot, I presume it is clickbait nonsense.
Post by: Monty on May 16, 2025, 12:19:48 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on May 16, 2025, 12:20:34 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 16, 2025, 12:21:02 PM
Post by: eamonn on May 16, 2025, 01:31:11 PM
Post by: Dogtanian on May 16, 2025, 02:17:12 PM
Dogtanian, where the heck have you been? This place has both gone to the dogs and gone dogging without you.
If anyone has gone dogging, rest assured, I was there in spirit! :P
Post by: Dogtanian on May 16, 2025, 02:21:56 PM
So from Dogtanian's analysis...win our last 2 games and there's a 99% chance of Champions League football?
Well, my analysis is merely looking at every possible permutation of all matches and then looking at how many of those result in us getting top 5. But it doesn't look at the likelihood of any possible permutation.
So in other words, every game has a 1 in 3 chance of being a win, loss, or draw for a given side, but we all know that it's rarely that simple.
Obviously, the more permutations in your favour the better!
Post by: Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle on May 16, 2025, 02:36:17 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/m5LNgCWH/Screenshot-20250516-143430.png) (https://ibb.co/m5LNgCWH)
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on May 16, 2025, 03:03:55 PM
Post by: Dogtanian on May 16, 2025, 03:08:29 PM
1. Their owner.
2. It cheapens our achievement if any old tat can do it.
3. They literally cheated and overspent and have pretty much got away with it scot free.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 16, 2025, 03:35:29 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 16, 2025, 03:52:13 PM
Is there any way we can get us and Forest in and the moneyed clubs (Man City & Chelsea) miss out?
Yep. Villa and Forest both win their remaining games, Man City fail to win either of theirs. We could also both finish above Newcastle in the unlikely event they fail to take more than a point from their final two matches.
Post by: Steve67 on May 16, 2025, 04:40:50 PM
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.
Post by: Dave on May 16, 2025, 05:06:10 PM
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.
They should definitely be embarrassed with themselves for being there in the league.
In a European context, Lyon, Bilbao, Frankfurt, Real Sociedad, Alkmaar etc should be embarrassed with themselves for letting these showers past them.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 16, 2025, 05:08:23 PM
Post by: Dave on May 16, 2025, 05:10:33 PM
Well, maybe. But what are Tottenham and Man U's budgets compared to those sides?
Astronomical. But they're also astronomical compared the budgets of Bournemouth and Fulham, who don't seem to have founds being miles better than them a problem.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 16, 2025, 05:23:41 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 16, 2025, 10:31:56 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 16, 2025, 10:32:08 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 16, 2025, 10:32:57 PM
Post by: stevo_st on May 16, 2025, 10:37:16 PM
Ending the debate forever on whether goal difference gives you an extra point.
Post by: Somniloquism on May 16, 2025, 10:38:00 PM
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on May 16, 2025, 10:39:00 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 16, 2025, 10:40:21 PM
Post by: Dave on May 16, 2025, 10:40:34 PM
I don’t know why but I’ve a sneaking suspicion Citeh will lose one of their games.
I think that the big exciting twist is Hudson-Odoi getting a narrative-fulled late equaliser against Chelsea.
And I was saying ages ago that Forest wouldn't beat Leicester in their derby because That's What The Story Demands, so you can trust the above.
Although The Story does probably also require us to not beat Man Utd.
Post by: Goldenballs on May 16, 2025, 10:41:18 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on May 16, 2025, 10:43:16 PM
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.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 16, 2025, 11:01:24 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 16, 2025, 11:03:19 PM
It would have been nice if Chelsea had dropped points tonight, and left it in our own hands, but it was probably the most unlikely result to go in our favour given the circumstances. Citeh have two tricky games in a week, Chelsea still have to go to Forest, and Newcastle may need to beat Everton on the last day. That may or may not happen, but I'm not writing us off just yet because Chelsea laboured to beat Yanited 1-0.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 16, 2025, 11:04:58 PM
Post by: Beard82 on May 16, 2025, 11:10:02 PM
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
Post by: Somniloquism on May 16, 2025, 11:12:36 PM
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
That happens and it is in our hands then. No need for Lady Luck (apart from whether GK Onana has a blinder).
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 16, 2025, 11:13:06 PM
Post by: Beard82 on May 16, 2025, 11:26:01 PM
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).
Post by: tomd2103 on May 16, 2025, 11:27:50 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 16, 2025, 11:30:19 PM
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.
If we win, a draw between Forest and Chelsea would be enough to see us qualify.
Post by: Dogtanian on May 16, 2025, 11:32:02 PM
Post by: jwarry on May 17, 2025, 03:34:54 AM
Post by: PhilVill on May 17, 2025, 06:02:08 AM
Post by: RamboandBruno on May 17, 2025, 07:10:07 AM
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.
Best scenario I think is if Forest draw at West Ham so still have only an outside chance, then beat Chelsea. That would leave them on 66 and Chelsea on 66, if we drew at Man U then we’d be in, no matter Man City or Newcastle did.
Post by: Dogtanian on May 17, 2025, 07:19:10 AM
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.
Post by: Ian. on May 17, 2025, 07:36:43 AM
Instead of looking at one result I think it’s more down to not having a settled back four and missing Kamara for most of the ‘24 part of the season. It’s no coincidence that since the end of January and being able to pick a more consistent side we’ve started to have clean sheets again.
I’m sure that’s the reason for our early inconsistency, which also put huge pressure at the other end of the pitch as we were very wasteful with our chances and decision making. Again no surprise that since we’ve settled at the back we’ve regularly scored three in a game.
Haven’t I read that we’ve accumulated more point than last season? Which if true, shows it’s been a tougher ride, which is odd as the very top and the bottoms three have been wrapped up for ages.
Post by: Dogtanian on May 17, 2025, 07:39:47 AM
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.
Post by: dave.woodhall on May 17, 2025, 07:57:49 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 17, 2025, 07:58:10 AM
Nowt to be done about it now, on we go to win at the Temple of Doom and see where it gets us.
Post by: andyh on May 17, 2025, 08:29:52 AM
Post by: Villan82 on May 17, 2025, 08:30:39 AM
Post by: London Villan on May 17, 2025, 08:36:47 AM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 17, 2025, 08:48:25 AM
Post by: Villan82 on May 17, 2025, 08:50:14 AM
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)?
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 17, 2025, 08:57:05 AM
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.
Post by: Villan82 on May 17, 2025, 09:00:43 AM
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.
I don't think I can recall an end of season with so many permutations.
It's just such a shame the financial gulf between the Europa League and the Champions League is so vast. I mean the team in 5th and the team in 6th may be separated by goal difference but one will win so much more financially.
Post by: Ozzjim on May 17, 2025, 09:15:57 AM
Post by: Smithy on May 17, 2025, 09:21:51 AM
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)?
Technically, everyone from Arsenal down is still potentially catchable on the last day (Man City and Newcastle could lose their last 2), so we have a LOT of permutations that can get us into the top 5, but unfortunately, they ALL rely on us winning at Old Trafford and at least one BIG result against the odds for one of Everton, Southampton, Forest, Bournemouth and/or Fulham.
Assuming we win at Old Trafford, we need:
The loser of Arsenal v Newcastle on Sunday to ALSO lose against either Everton or Southamton (a draw on the final day would be enough for Arsenal, but Newcastle would need a win if they draw with Arsenal). The winner of Arsenal v Newcastle on Sunday would be uncatchable.
Man City to lose to EITHER of Bournemouth or Fulham (Man City need 4 points from 6 to be uncatchable, so a draw against Bournemouth still keeps it in their own hands, a loss and it's in ours)
Chelsea to lose or draw to Forest
We only need one of those to go our way, and though on paper, the Champions League chasers will be hot favourites in every game, you never know? Let's just make sure we win, and then hope one of the other teams can do us a favour!
"I'm a believer mate."
Post by: LeeS on May 17, 2025, 09:32:06 AM
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.
That was gutting. But it was also ages ago. Every single thing that has happened in every match played in the world since would be different if that moment had been different. So it’s a bit too remote to take the blame for me.
Post by: Somniloquism on May 17, 2025, 09:37:29 AM
The big 'what if' for me is 'what if Liverpool hadn't been on the beach when they played Chelsea.
Same here.
Post by: LeeS on May 17, 2025, 09:38:06 AM
The big 'what if' for me is 'what if Liverpool hadn't been on the beach when they played Chelsea.
Same here.
That’s more like it
Post by: Somniloquism on May 17, 2025, 09:38:40 AM
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.
Weirdly only 50/50 the last 10 seasons. One time we would have been 7th, another time 3rd.
Post by: Tom_Mc9? on May 17, 2025, 09:42:08 AM
Post by: ez on May 17, 2025, 09:42:39 AM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 17, 2025, 09:50:26 AM
The big 'what if' for me is 'what if Liverpool hadn't been on the beach when they played Chelsea.
It won'r matter when they lose to Forest next week.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 17, 2025, 09:52:39 AM
Post by: Smithy on May 17, 2025, 09:57:41 AM
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?
Post by: lovejoy on May 17, 2025, 10:03:11 AM
Post by: lovejoy on May 17, 2025, 10:16:30 AM
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.
Post by: olaftab on May 17, 2025, 10:41:10 AM
Post by: Smithy on May 17, 2025, 11:15:58 AM
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.
Post by: Smithy on May 17, 2025, 11:19:54 AM
Forest - 9 points
Arsenal - 9 points
Chelsea - 4 points
Man City - 3 points
Newcastle - 2 points
Liverpool - 2 points
If this had been the first 10 games of the season, rather than the last, we'd be 2 points clear in mid November and dreaming of a title challenge. Whatever happens next weekend, we HAVE to maintain this momentum into next season. If we can, the Champions League place will take care of itself and we might even find ourselves dreaming a bit higher...
Post by: Richard on May 17, 2025, 12:30:09 PM
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.
No luckier than us getting Spurs and Man U to be fair! We will finish where we deserve to finish, whatever happens it's been another good season and while we have Unai we will always be a top 6 side IMO.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 17, 2025, 12:43:35 PM
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?
The other teams (apart from Forest) are shorter odds but 5/6 probably indicates that we've roughly a 50:50 chance.
Bear in mind that last year some people were absolutely certain that Spurs would pip us to 4th (when they were 16/1).
Post by: lovejoy on May 17, 2025, 12:45:34 PM
If I hadn’t seen such riches I could live with being poor.
Post by: Stinkin_Thinkin on May 17, 2025, 01:09:32 PM
Post by: RamboandBruno on May 17, 2025, 01:19:53 PM
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?
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 17, 2025, 01:24:28 PM
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.
Sky will pick the dead rubber at Anfield, the simpering, pandering twats.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 17, 2025, 01:44:57 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cz63p6dwl8wo
Post by: Rigadon on May 17, 2025, 01:49:50 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 17, 2025, 01:51:32 PM
Post by: OCD on May 17, 2025, 01:58:02 PM
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.
That would be a good weekend.
Post by: Matt C on May 17, 2025, 02:02:41 PM
Post by: Ads on May 17, 2025, 02:05:15 PM
Post by: RamboandBruno on May 17, 2025, 02:09:34 PM
Post by: LeeB on May 17, 2025, 02:17:17 PM
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.
Like promotion in '88, we go there thinking we need to win and favours and it turns out a point was enough.
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on May 17, 2025, 06:47:37 PM
Post by: nigel on May 17, 2025, 06:48:40 PM
Is it top 5 CL, 6th Europa and 7th Conference?
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 17, 2025, 06:48:57 PM
Post by: nigel on May 17, 2025, 06:49:37 PM
Yep.
👍
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 17, 2025, 06:59:31 PM
Post by: Dogtanian on May 17, 2025, 07:10:35 PM
Post by: Neal and Winton on May 17, 2025, 07:34:58 PM
Post by: OCD on May 17, 2025, 07:39:26 PM
What effect does Palace winning have?
Is it top 5 CL, 6th Europa and 7th Conference?
If Chelsea finish 6th or 7th and win the Conference League, 8th place can still get Europa so the clubs fighting for 8th spot still have something to play for.
Post by: trinityoap on May 17, 2025, 08:43:15 PM
Post by: Nunkin1965 on May 17, 2025, 08:46:01 PM
My brain hurts.I'll just be happy to work it out after Sunday!
Post by: eamonn on May 17, 2025, 10:08:29 PM
My brain hurts.
Like a warehouse ?
Post by: Dogtanian on May 17, 2025, 10:09:51 PM
My brain hurts.
Like a warehouse ?
Give it five years, it’ll all be over.
Post by: eamonn on May 17, 2025, 11:27:50 PM
Post by: Dogtanian on May 18, 2025, 09:58:58 AM
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.
Post by: Rigadon on May 18, 2025, 10:16:33 AM
Post by: aj2k77 on May 18, 2025, 10:24:58 AM
Post by: Mellin on May 18, 2025, 10:42:37 AM
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.
Post by: Flamingo Lane on May 18, 2025, 10:50:03 AM
Post by: Beard82 on May 18, 2025, 10:51:14 AM
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.
Post by: Pete3206 on May 18, 2025, 10:59:13 AM
Post by: LeeB on May 18, 2025, 11:00:43 AM
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.
Post by: Dogtanian on May 18, 2025, 11:09:43 AM
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.
The Bournemouth keeper will be sent off for handling the ball just inside his area.
Post by: lovejoy on May 18, 2025, 11:14:45 AM
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.
This is assuming all results have an equal possibility, not factoring in likelihood of say Newcastle beating Everton.
Post by: TaxDodger on May 18, 2025, 11:16:42 AM
I was edging towards wanting them to win, but now I’m picturing us narrowly winning at Old Trafford in the 88th minute, with Forest Chelsea level and Forest knowing only a win would get them Champions League if Man United could equalise, so throw everyone up front and Chelsea break away and score.
Post by: Dogtanian on May 18, 2025, 11:20:18 AM
Post by: Pete3206 on May 18, 2025, 11:23:55 AM
Post by: Dogtanian on May 18, 2025, 11:29:58 AM
Post by: VillaTim on May 18, 2025, 11:31:34 AM
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
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 18, 2025, 11:38:00 AM
I will settle for a win at Mould Trafford. That would be something to celebrate all on it's own.
Indeed, if we do that and the cards don’t land in our favour then so be it.
Post by: Ozzjim on May 18, 2025, 11:44:46 AM
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.
I reckon they'd lie down and have their tummies very much tickled
Post by: LeeB on May 18, 2025, 12:25:47 PM
Post by: Steve67 on May 18, 2025, 01:05:45 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 18, 2025, 01:07:02 PM
Post by: Steve67 on May 18, 2025, 01:09:57 PM
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.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 18, 2025, 01:11:15 PM
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.
Which won't matter when we win at Old Trafford.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 18, 2025, 01:11:24 PM
Post by: Ads on May 18, 2025, 01:23:58 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 18, 2025, 01:24:43 PM
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.
Exactly.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 18, 2025, 01:32:28 PM
Post by: VillaTim on May 18, 2025, 01:36:13 PM
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 .
Post by: Ads on May 18, 2025, 01:37:52 PM
Post by: algy on May 18, 2025, 01:45:19 PM
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.
Post by: Mellin on May 18, 2025, 01:45:59 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 18, 2025, 01:46:53 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 18, 2025, 01:48:54 PM
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.
Forest had something to play for last four games but didn't win any of them. With Bournemouth and Fulham now on the beach when they play Man City and our record of never beating Man U, top five has probably gone. We need to secure top six and a Europa League spot. That happens today if Forest lose.
Post by: Ads on May 18, 2025, 01:48:54 PM
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?
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 18, 2025, 01:55:39 PM
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.
Post by: Ads on May 18, 2025, 01:57:08 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 18, 2025, 01:59:04 PM
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.
It doesn't weaken our chance of fifth. We can still finish fifth with a draw if Forest lose today. The argument that Forest will be better if they have something to play for is undermined by their current shite form when having something to play for. Having guaranteed group stage football would be nice, too.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 18, 2025, 02:00:45 PM
Post by: Ads on May 18, 2025, 02:01:05 PM
Post by: JUAN PABLO on May 18, 2025, 02:01:24 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 18, 2025, 02:02:09 PM
Post by: TaxDodger on May 18, 2025, 02:09:04 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 18, 2025, 02:13:44 PM
Post by: TaxDodger on May 18, 2025, 02:13:58 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 18, 2025, 02:14:53 PM
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.
Yep, and I'm not convinced a Forest win boosts our chances of top five anyway, bearing in mind it removes the possibility of qualifying with a draw.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 18, 2025, 02:19:23 PM
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.
Post by: Beard82 on May 18, 2025, 02:19:59 PM
Post by: Ads on May 18, 2025, 02:25:58 PM
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.
Post by: OCD on May 18, 2025, 02:43:09 PM
Post by: Chip Butty 111 on May 18, 2025, 02:47:58 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 18, 2025, 02:47:59 PM
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.
About the same as earlier in the season when we didn't beat them, then.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 18, 2025, 02:50:42 PM
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.
First one is irrelevant to the rest
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 18, 2025, 02:51:58 PM
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.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 18, 2025, 02:53:03 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 18, 2025, 02:53:22 PM
Ok - can we all at least agree that Newcastle losing against Arsenal is better?
A draw would be OK too. Newcastle win bad because Arsenal won't lose to Southampton. Although that is just speculation.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 18, 2025, 02:55:29 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 18, 2025, 02:58:52 PM
Post by: Chip Butty 111 on May 18, 2025, 03:04:53 PM
Post by: VillaTim on May 18, 2025, 03:29:18 PM
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 .
Post by: lovejoy on May 18, 2025, 03:40:26 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 18, 2025, 03:48:37 PM
Post by: Ads on May 18, 2025, 03:54:22 PM
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.
Confidence/form/momentum in sport is important.
Post by: The Man With A Stick on May 18, 2025, 04:01:13 PM
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.
Post by: eamonn on May 18, 2025, 04:10:25 PM
I don’t know what I want. Why can’t I know what I want?
How will you know if he really loves you?
Post by: lovejoy on May 18, 2025, 04:22:15 PM
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.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on May 18, 2025, 04:24:19 PM
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.
Me too, I have no intention whatsoever of watching or listening to any football.
Post by: joe_c on May 18, 2025, 04:25:27 PM
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.
Post by: eamonn on May 18, 2025, 04:27:37 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 18, 2025, 04:31:30 PM
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.
Post by: curiousorange on May 18, 2025, 04:31:58 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 18, 2025, 04:34:49 PM
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 don't think it is a better chance of finishing fifth, as there is now no chance of us finishing fifth if we draw, unless Man City and/or Newcastle collapse. Ah well, it's happened now. Hopefully everyone else is right and I'm wrong. 🙂
Post by: lovejoy on May 18, 2025, 04:35:41 PM
I assume we want a Man Utd win Wednesday so they are on the piss when we rock up on the Sunday?
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 18, 2025, 04:36:16 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 18, 2025, 04:37:08 PM
Post by: Dogtanian on May 18, 2025, 04:37:14 PM
I want a Tottenham win so Man U are playing to get the manager sacked on Sunday.
What’s a Tottenham win?
Post by: andyh on May 18, 2025, 05:01:59 PM
Then it’s done and dusted.
Post by: Dave on May 18, 2025, 05:05:03 PM
Plus I want us to have an undeniably better season than Man U for the first time in over forty years.
I'm going to stick with prioritising the thing that's better for Villa both this season and next, which is a Man Utd win.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 18, 2025, 05:06:56 PM
Post by: AV82EC on May 18, 2025, 05:07:33 PM
Post by: tomd2103 on May 18, 2025, 05:12:19 PM
So a better chance of us finishing seventh. Great.
Yeah, was probably leaning towards a Forest win over the past few days, but now they have actually won I'm not so sure I was right to as it increases the chances of finishing. 7th.
Post by: The Edge on May 18, 2025, 05:14:45 PM
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.
Post by: Dogtanian on May 18, 2025, 05:16:45 PM
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.
You can store it all on USB drives, these days.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 18, 2025, 05:23:44 PM
I disagree. Want Man U playing to get the manager sacked next week.
There is absolutely no chance the manager is getting sacked at the end of this season. He’ll walk before he’s sacked.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 18, 2025, 05:36:32 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 18, 2025, 05:37:20 PM
Nobody ever walks. He'd be losing about twenty million quid.
Pantera did.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 18, 2025, 05:44:15 PM
Post by: Dave on May 18, 2025, 05:52:57 PM
Nobody ever walks. He'd be losing about twenty million quid.
They may be bad next week but it won't be because they're deliberately playing badly trying to get Amorim sacked, it's because they're not very good.
Then again none of it matters, given you've convinced yourself we're not going to win whatever happens.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 18, 2025, 05:54:49 PM
Post by: wince on May 18, 2025, 05:55:03 PM
Post by: Dave on May 18, 2025, 05:57:22 PM
It's for the best. Optimism leads to disappointment.
Don't stress out about all these permutations then. None of them really matter to us anymore.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 18, 2025, 05:59:09 PM
Post by: LeeS on May 18, 2025, 06:03:15 PM
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.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 18, 2025, 06:03:53 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 18, 2025, 06:06:10 PM
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.
Post by: darren woolley on May 18, 2025, 06:06:49 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 18, 2025, 06:08:37 PM
If Arsenal beat Newcastle and they are winning 1-0 that would be brilliant for us Newcastle play Everton next week.
Yep, the more options in play for us, the better.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 18, 2025, 06:09:38 PM
However, I am more confident of us doing our bit next week.
Post by: LeeS on May 18, 2025, 06:14:40 PM
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.
We will beat Man U. They are total shit. We are excellent and on one hell of a run
Post by: alan_clarke on May 18, 2025, 06:14:57 PM
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.
Post by: aj2k77 on May 18, 2025, 06:17:06 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 18, 2025, 06:17:14 PM
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?
Post by: Ads on May 18, 2025, 06:17:58 PM
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.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 18, 2025, 06:19:02 PM
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?
Post by: john2710 on May 18, 2025, 06:19:14 PM
But if we do, we'd be very unlucky not to qualify for the Champions League.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 18, 2025, 06:19:54 PM
Post by: Ads on May 18, 2025, 06:21:28 PM
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.
Post by: Dave on May 18, 2025, 06:22:53 PM
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.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 18, 2025, 06:25:27 PM
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.
Maybe the pressure of being so close to the prize will see them freeze on the big occasion? Or lose their heads?
I understand the theory that a team with something to play for will be more motivated but making a statement of fact that we now have a better chance of qualifying is completely untrue.
Post by: alan_clarke on May 18, 2025, 06:27:27 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 18, 2025, 06:28:53 PM
Although I worry that Newvastle will now be more motivated next week and therefore guaranteed to win. Or they'll be so dejected that they're bound to lose. I forget which undeniable truism applies in this case.
Post by: Ads on May 18, 2025, 06:29:13 PM
I'm glad we're playing Man United because (i) they have nothing to play for and also the added bonus (ii) they're one of the worst sides in the league. The idea of going somewhere where they're motivated for an objective would make it many levels harder. That's football since day dot. Id much rather be going to Old Trafford than the City Ground.
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on May 18, 2025, 06:30:17 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 18, 2025, 06:30:18 PM
Citeh fail to take at least 4 points from their last two games
Chelsea fail to win
Newcastle fail to win
Post by: curiousorange on May 18, 2025, 06:30:18 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 18, 2025, 06:30:50 PM
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.
Fair enough, I wasn't intending to come across like that.
Post by: Villan82 on May 18, 2025, 06:32:01 PM
If Bournemouth could somehow get a win at the Emptyhad, we have a great chance.
Post by: alan_clarke on May 18, 2025, 06:32:24 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 18, 2025, 06:32:55 PM
So if Everton won at Newcastle, a draw would get us into the Champion's League?
Yes I think that's right
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 18, 2025, 06:36:01 PM
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).
Post by: joe_c on May 18, 2025, 06:38:44 PM
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.
(https://i.ibb.co/5grHF6ZQ/20250518-183518.jpg) (https://ibb.co/4n8rd7kb)
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 18, 2025, 06:40:00 PM
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
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 18, 2025, 06:41:25 PM
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.
Post by: PhilVill on May 18, 2025, 06:41:43 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 18, 2025, 06:41:56 PM
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.
👍🏼
Post by: Dogtanian on May 18, 2025, 06:44:20 PM
I’d have scoffed if you’d told me that when we were stuck in mid-table.
Post by: aj2k77 on May 18, 2025, 07:08:14 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 18, 2025, 07:11:13 PM
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.
Yep, if do our bit and still don't get in then at least we know we've done all we can. I'll still be pissed off if it's some injury time goal elsewhere that fucks it all up, mind.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 18, 2025, 07:17:42 PM
Post by: Ads on May 18, 2025, 07:18:41 PM
Post by: Ads on May 18, 2025, 07:19:57 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 18, 2025, 07:30:33 PM
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.
Post by: VillaTim on May 18, 2025, 07:34:02 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 18, 2025, 07:35:28 PM
Post by: VillaTim on May 18, 2025, 07:46:35 PM
Post by: DB on May 18, 2025, 08:14:43 PM
NF winning gives them added reason to beat Chelsea next week.
Also, c’mon Bournemouth.
Post by: Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle on May 18, 2025, 08:36:45 PM
Post by: Dogtanian on May 18, 2025, 08:37:35 PM
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 don’t think Newcastle will be title contenders, I think Howe holds them back.
I like Howe, but I feel he’s their Dean Smith. He came in at a time when everything was shit and got them going in the right direction and hit a few milestones. He’s therefore built up a lot of goodwill.
But he’s reached his limit, and to really progress they need a step up in manager.
It makes my blood run cold to think what would have happened if they’d gotten their claws on Emery.
Post by: VillaTim on May 18, 2025, 08:48:06 PM
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 .
Post by: eamonn on May 18, 2025, 10:04:48 PM
Post by: Smirker on May 18, 2025, 11:31:21 PM
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.
Imagine we Fergie Time it with a penalty that shouldn't have stood 8)
Post by: rooboy316 on May 18, 2025, 11:59:58 PM
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.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 19, 2025, 12:04:38 AM
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.
Post by: rooboy316 on May 19, 2025, 01:48:16 AM
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.
They're so shite, even omnipotence isn't enough to save them. I really hope they beat the red manc scum in the final though.
Post by: Dogtanian on May 19, 2025, 08:58:43 AM
3rd 9.9%
4th 18.5%
5th 23.5%
6th 28.4%
7th 19.8%
So, the Forest result has slightly reduced outcomes in our favour, with 51.9% now resulting in us being top 5.
After Man City play on Tuesday, we will be left with only 81 scenarios. Of those, the following see us getting top 5;
Man City win - 42%
Man City draw - 50.6%
Man City lose - 63%
Come on Bournemouth! ;D
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 19, 2025, 09:05:20 AM
Post by: Dogtanian on May 19, 2025, 09:09:42 AM
I might have a play over the summer and see if I can build something in for it and add something for likelihoods, too.
Post by: Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle on May 19, 2025, 09:18:04 AM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 19, 2025, 09:21:23 AM
We have to assume that Citeh will win their last two so as long as we win, we need Forest to do the same.
Or draw, or Newcastle fail to win.
Post by: Smithy on May 19, 2025, 09:28:11 AM
The chances of the other three all winning their games is pretty high, but not so high as to abandon all hope.
Post by: Flamingo Lane on May 19, 2025, 09:36:10 AM
Post by: Dogtanian on May 19, 2025, 09:37:48 AM
Everton are unbeaten in the last 3 against Newcastle, and all the pressure will be on Newcastle. They're fantastic at home and it is a massive advantage for them, but it wouldn't be a shock if Everton got something from it. And they will go in to get something, too.
Forest have definitely faltered, but they've only lost 2 out of the last 8 home games. Chelsea I think have only won 1 out of their last 8 away games. Chelsea also have a final 3 days later, and that's something that definitely will be on their mind. For a player, a medal in the hand is worth more than a Champions League campaign in the bush. They're also without Jackson, their second highest goal provider this season.
Man City... yes, on paper, you wouldn't bet against them winning their last two games, and they should. But they should have beaten Southampton. All is not well there. They have two chances to fuck up, and considering their season, again you wouldn't be shocked if they dropped something.
Post by: Somniloquism on May 19, 2025, 09:38:25 AM
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.
Post by: Dogtanian on May 19, 2025, 09:41:10 AM
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.
Plus the status of it in the eyes of players, the kickers in place for sponsorship deals if we get CL...
Post by: Dogtanian on May 19, 2025, 09:44:23 AM
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.
According to Howe, they don't know yet.
“That is unknown, I don’t know at this moment in time. He only felt pain really after training. During training, he felt fine, just a bit of stiffness really. So he went for a scan this morning as a precaution, but then it became obvious he wasn’t going to be fit to play. So, I don’t know. A lot will depend on how he reacts in the next few days."
Post by: Somniloquism on May 19, 2025, 09:49:06 AM
We are currently 46th in the coefficient table.
Post by: Dogtanian on May 19, 2025, 09:51:00 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 19, 2025, 10:16:40 AM
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.
Post by: Dogtanian on May 19, 2025, 10:34:53 AM
https://www.premierleague.com/news/4279477 (https://www.premierleague.com/news/4279477)
Come on Bournemouth! 8)
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 19, 2025, 10:39:42 AM
Post by: Dogtanian on May 19, 2025, 10:42:19 AM
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 did wonder that myself, to the point of checking the Premierleague.com was in fact owned by the Premier League.
Post by: Dave on May 19, 2025, 10:46:09 AM
It definitely feels more rigorously researched than anything the BBC do these days.
Post by: Somniloquism on May 19, 2025, 10:47:41 AM
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.
Post by: exigo on May 19, 2025, 10:47:44 AM
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.
Post by: Somniloquism on May 19, 2025, 10:50:13 AM
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.
One draw would put them above Chelsea.
Post by: Dogtanian on May 19, 2025, 10:50:25 AM
So our Cherry friends with the weird hair fetish do have something to play for tomorrow!
Post by: Dogtanian on May 19, 2025, 10:53:51 AM
Post by: Monty on May 19, 2025, 10:54:11 AM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 19, 2025, 11:00:22 AM
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.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 19, 2025, 11:00:57 AM
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.
Or, if not that, hatred of Man City will do just as well. Come on you Cherry Cottagers!
Post by: LeeS on May 19, 2025, 11:20:09 AM
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
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 19, 2025, 11:26:09 AM
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
🙂
Sounds like MOTD were talking pish anyway.
Post by: andyh on May 19, 2025, 11:29:12 AM
Bournemouth
Villa
Forest / Fulham
in that order ?
Post by: Dave on May 19, 2025, 11:29:26 AM
Quote
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.
Let's hope the Newcastle physios are having an off-week.
Post by: Dogtanian on May 19, 2025, 11:33:18 AM
so this week, we are mostly supporting:
Bournemouth
Villa
Forest / Fulham
in that order ?
And Liverpool tonight so Bournemouth can finish ahead of Brighton.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 19, 2025, 11:37:06 AM
Or, if not that, hatred of Man City will do just as well. Come on you Cherry Cottagers!
:o
Post by: Drummond on May 19, 2025, 12:00:36 PM
so this week, we are mostly supporting:
Bournemouth
Villa
Forest / Fulham
in that order ?
And Liverpool tonight so Bournemouth can finish ahead of Brighton.
And Everton.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 19, 2025, 12:03:41 PM
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.
Post by: LeeS on May 19, 2025, 12:07:01 PM
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.
Oh Jesus. This is too complicated
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 19, 2025, 12:10:00 PM
Post by: algy on May 19, 2025, 12:11:38 PM
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.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 19, 2025, 12:14:44 PM
If Bournemouth beat Citeh, we just need to worry about winning our game.
Yep. The Forest vs Chelsea game would become irrelevant to us in terms of Champions League. Win and in.
If we draw, one of Forest or Chelsea will finish below us and one above, regardless of the result there.
However, defeat would see us below Forest if they avoid defeat which would cost us any chance of Champions League and see us drop all the way into the Conference League if Man City avoid defeat against Fulham.
So in the unlikely event that Bournemouth beat Man City there is no significant benefit to us from Forest avoiding defeat against Chelsea, but we would benefit from Chelsea winning if we lost.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 19, 2025, 12:15:55 PM
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.
Post by: algy on May 19, 2025, 12:22:23 PM
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.
Post by: eye digress on May 19, 2025, 12:24:18 PM
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?
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 19, 2025, 12:27:52 PM
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.
You've convinced me. I now fully support this plan and have forwarded the instructions to Unai.
Post by: john e on May 19, 2025, 12:33:39 PM
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
Post by: eye digress on May 19, 2025, 12:33:59 PM
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.
Given that there must be a chance he will be thinking he's on his way this summer, you'd wonder whether he would be wanting to take many risks with his fitness going into the day...
Post by: Dave on May 19, 2025, 12:34:32 PM
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?
We've taken home about £70m in prize money by getting to the quarter-finals (knock ten million off that if you want the R16 figure) The winner of the Europa League will end up making around £25m total prize money, runner-up around £15m.
Post by: Drummond on May 19, 2025, 12:47:55 PM
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.
They'd fucking score in the 102nd minute.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 19, 2025, 12:54:51 PM
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
Number 1.
Post by: algy on May 19, 2025, 12:56:27 PM
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.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 19, 2025, 01:00:58 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 19, 2025, 01:03:54 PM
Post by: OCD on May 19, 2025, 01:04:08 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 19, 2025, 01:05:56 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 19, 2025, 01:09:35 PM
Post by: Monty on May 19, 2025, 01:12:41 PM
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
Champions League. Though might be tempted if you said guaranteed Europa League final.
Post by: garyellis on May 19, 2025, 02:51:03 PM
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)
Post by: AV82EC on May 19, 2025, 02:57:57 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 19, 2025, 03:06:39 PM
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.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on May 19, 2025, 03:15:47 PM
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.
Yeah, this is what MOTD said. I would find it pretty funny, though, if Chelsea managed to lose the final and finish 7th so that they're back in the Conference League.
Post by: DB on May 19, 2025, 03:27:56 PM
Post by: Dave on May 19, 2025, 03:29:18 PM
Is it better if ManUre win the EL for us?
Depends who you ask. I think undoubtedy, yes.
Other opinions are available.
Post by: London Villan on May 19, 2025, 03:32:15 PM
Post by: andyh on May 19, 2025, 03:36:57 PM
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 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.
Post by: AV82EC on May 19, 2025, 03:37:47 PM
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.
Which is what I’d thought all along but someone, somewhere seems to have cast doubt on this hence the confusion. Why would England lose its Conf League place just because Chelsea won it and qualified for another competition? That makes no sense to me, just because a country wins a competition and qualifies for a higher competition should not mean we lose any places all it should mean is we’ve qualified for more teams by winning UEFA competitions which is as it should be, ie 6 teams in the ECL next season 2 or 3 in the EL and one in the UCL.
Post by: VillaTim on May 19, 2025, 03:59:05 PM
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.
Post by: Somniloquism on May 19, 2025, 04:19:56 PM
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.
Some seem to think it matters where Chelsea finishes. It is either in 6th place, the 7th place is Europa but we don't put anyone in the Conference, but if it is 7th, Chelsea finishes in Europa but the Conference drops a place. Or vice versa.
TBH I have no idea as I can't find anything directly on UEFA to confirm, only what other organisations are stating and most of those thought we could register 4 or 5 players in Jan for Europe.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 19, 2025, 04:38:35 PM
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.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on May 19, 2025, 04:49:18 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 19, 2025, 07:24:05 PM
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.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 19, 2025, 07:29:08 PM
Post by: VillaTim on May 19, 2025, 07:30:20 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 19, 2025, 07:34:57 PM
Post by: dorsetvillian on May 19, 2025, 07:41:37 PM
Post by: Dave on May 19, 2025, 07:57:59 PM
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.
Yeah, the Old Trafford tourists are going to turn the place into a cauldron of hatred in between their selfies, while their players act in a way that footballers don't behave.
In the real world, we'll be better off with a bunch of players who are still a bit hung-over and pleased that their season ended a few days earlier and they don't have to think about it anymore.
Like ours were on the last day of last season.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 19, 2025, 08:06:11 PM
Post by: Dogtanian on May 19, 2025, 08:07:28 PM
Post by: DB on May 19, 2025, 08:18:05 PM
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.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 19, 2025, 08:50:48 PM
Post by: Villa in Denmark on May 19, 2025, 08:56:16 PM
1-4 and Fernandes in tears at the end. One of the other results to fall our way and job done.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 19, 2025, 09:03:09 PM
Or they win celebrate like mad and are in a right state when they play us.
A Yanited win for me, partly for this reason. It would different if they were playing Fulham or Brentford but it's Spurs, so f*ck them.
Post by: VillaTim on May 19, 2025, 09:33:36 PM
Post by: Dave on May 19, 2025, 09:38:12 PM
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.
Post by: Beard82 on May 19, 2025, 09:42:15 PM
Our excellent recent form has been amazing - but we really shoudlnt have given ourselves so much to do.
Post by: The Edge on May 19, 2025, 09:48:30 PM
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.
Nothing life threatening I'm not a psycho just a hammy will do.
Post by: Villa in Denmark on May 19, 2025, 09:49:00 PM
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.
Good point well made. [Pukemode]Come you red devils.[/pukemode]
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 19, 2025, 09:53:37 PM
Post by: Des Little on May 19, 2025, 10:02:37 PM
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on May 19, 2025, 10:04:15 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 19, 2025, 10:08:20 PM
Hope I'm wrong and they lose both their remaining games and keep him, but can't see them being so stupid.
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 19, 2025, 10:15:34 PM
The last thing we want is those twats thinking they are a serious football team again and the last season an aberration. A defeat to spurs preferably after a gruelling 120 minutes please.
Post by: Dogtanian on May 19, 2025, 10:16:49 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 19, 2025, 10:17:35 PM
Post by: andyh on May 19, 2025, 10:17:58 PM
The idea of Spuds winning a trophy… it’s abhorrent.To be fair, that applies to both teams
Post by: Villa in Denmark on May 19, 2025, 10:18:32 PM
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 ******.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 19, 2025, 10:18:55 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 19, 2025, 10:22:13 PM
Sure. Still better than the alternative.Exactly.
Post by: VillaTim on May 19, 2025, 10:24:32 PM
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.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 19, 2025, 10:25:34 PM
Post by: Dogtanian on May 19, 2025, 10:26:32 PM
It’ll be like watching two slugs fuck.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 19, 2025, 10:26:39 PM
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on May 19, 2025, 10:27:15 PM
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?
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 19, 2025, 10:27:23 PM
It’ll be like watching two slugs fuck.
What channel's that on?
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 19, 2025, 10:29:11 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 19, 2025, 10:29:36 PM
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. They'll be praying that he shags the physio's wife at this rate.
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on May 19, 2025, 10:29:52 PM
I think Spurs will pot Ange regardless, I think Yanited will keep Amorim regardless
I agree.
Post by: Dogtanian on May 19, 2025, 10:30:17 PM
It’ll be like watching two slugs fuck.
What channel's that on?
If you can imagine it, someone gets off on it. :-[
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 19, 2025, 10:31:16 PM
It’ll be like watching two slugs fuck.
What channel's that on?
If you can imagine it, someone gets off on it. :-[
Slug sex, Man United or Tottenham winning a trophy. Slug sex, Man United or Tottenham winning a trophy.
Hmm.
COME ON YOU SLUGS!
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on May 19, 2025, 10:31:23 PM
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”)
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on May 19, 2025, 10:31:41 PM
I think Spurs will pot Ange regardless, I think Yanited will keep Amorim regardless
I agree.
I also agree.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 19, 2025, 10:36:08 PM
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. ☹️
Post by: Dogtanian on May 19, 2025, 10:39:57 PM
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on May 19, 2025, 10:54:33 PM
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. ☹️
Brilliant!!
Post by: KevinGage on May 19, 2025, 11:13:59 PM
Post by: SoccerHQ on May 19, 2025, 11:19:17 PM
The press would be hammering them every single day so Ratcliffe wouldn't be able to help himself and would probably give another toe curling interview sometime in June which would demotivate their staff and players even more.
Spurs in/out dosen't make much difference. They were in the CL when Unai took over and we've just finished above them for three successive seasons for probably the first time since the 90s?
Them getting CL would not change Levy's strategy one little bit.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 19, 2025, 11:23:45 PM
Post by: VillaTim on May 19, 2025, 11:26:34 PM
Post by: pauliewalnuts on May 19, 2025, 11:28:37 PM
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.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 19, 2025, 11:30:09 PM
Post by: Rigadon on May 20, 2025, 07:48:01 AM
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.
It's a kind of vile Hobsons choice. But I kind of agree. Plus, I've grudgingly come to quite like Ange, which is outrageous given my Spurs disposition.
Post by: The Edge on May 20, 2025, 08:35:46 AM
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.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 20, 2025, 08:41:25 AM
Post by: Dave P on May 20, 2025, 08:43:33 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 20, 2025, 08:46:16 AM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 20, 2025, 08:48:16 AM
They have done especially dreadfully, but I do think we will struggle more to adapt if we are in the Europa League next season than either of the other two.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 20, 2025, 08:49:22 AM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 20, 2025, 08:51:10 AM
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.
Agree (although the latter circumstance can still happen if you include qualifying rounds).
Post by: Dave on May 20, 2025, 08:54:50 AM
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.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 20, 2025, 08:56:25 AM
Post by: Abbeyfealeavfc on May 20, 2025, 08:57:15 AM
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.
I've not watched any of the Europa League, so how bad has it been this season, when the two teams contesting the final have lost 39 games between them in the same domestic league?
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 20, 2025, 08:59:28 AM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 20, 2025, 08:59:57 AM
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 🙂
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 20, 2025, 09:01:42 AM
Post by: Dave on May 20, 2025, 09:11:34 AM
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 🙂
Yes, they will do a complete reset when (and it is when) they change manager. And as we've learned, a reset from a demonstrably awful manager to a manager who might not be awful is likely to mean they're better.
A Man Utd win probably would lift the whole club. Just like winning the FA Cup did last year. And winning the League Cup and qualifying for the Champions League did the year before. And yet they still keep getting worse, not better.
So let's have a world like this one where both are still in crisis, and we're laughing at both of them rather than one in which us and Spurs are both laughing at Man Utd.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 20, 2025, 09:14:01 AM
Post by: eamonn on May 20, 2025, 09:18:25 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 20, 2025, 09:23:58 AM
Man Utd
Twente (H)
Porto (A)
Fenerbache (A)
PAOK (H)
Bodo/Glimt (H)
Viktoria Plzen (A)
Rangers (H)
FCSB (A)
Knockouts
Real Sociedad
Lyon
Athletic Bilbao
Spurs
Qarabag (H)
Ferencvaros (A)
AZ (H)
Galatasaray (A)
Roma (H)
Rangers (A)
Hoffenheim (A)
Elfsborg (H)
Knockouts
AZ
Eintracht Frankfurt
Bodo/Glimt
My observations are that i think there are a couple of group stage matches that look like opportunities to rest players and, in fairness to Man Utd, their knockout fixtures look quite tough on paper.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 20, 2025, 09:30:52 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 20, 2025, 09:40:04 AM
Post by: Villa in Denmark on May 20, 2025, 09:46:48 AM
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.
UEFA will be wanking themselves silly at the thought of ManUre being back in the big competition. It's all about tbe viewing figures and selling it to sponsors.
Post by: Dogtanian on May 20, 2025, 03:46:23 PM
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 >:(
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 20, 2025, 03:54:04 PM
Post by: Dogtanian on May 20, 2025, 03:57:45 PM
Post by: LeeB on May 20, 2025, 04:00:47 PM
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.
Post by: Dave on May 20, 2025, 04:05:10 PM
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.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 20, 2025, 05:20:05 PM
Post by: Nii Lamptey on May 20, 2025, 05:43:27 PM
However, if Spurs win it, the media and fanbase would be in total meltdown - They're bad enough when they haven't won anything of any significance for decades. I don't want to experience the world if they actually 'did' win something.
Man Utd win for me. Rat face getting crocked before Sunday would be nice too.
Post by: algy on May 20, 2025, 06:03:48 PM
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.
- There's essentially 2 types of qualification - domestic and continental (not the official terms, just called that for sake of describing it).
- A country is guaranteed their domestic qualification quotas - so England is guaranteed 5 Champions League places (1st-5th) + 2 Europa League places (6th & FA Cup Winner) + 1 Conference League place (League Cup winner)
- As domestic qualification places are guaranteed, they are transferrable. So for example if Newcastle finish 5th and qualify for the Conference League via the League Cup, their Conference League place is transferred to the highest-placed not qualifying team (i.e. 7th)
- If a team wins a continental competition (Champions League, Europa League, Conference League) they qualify for the next competition up. However, these places are not transferrable. e.g. if you win the Champions League AND finish in the top 5, there's no extra place - they've already qualified for it. Likewise, if the Conference League winner qualifies for either the Champions League or the Europa League, the place they've won from winning the Conference League disappears as it's non-transferrable.
To squeeze more European places out, you have to get teams that have a non-transferrable place to qualify domestically lower ranked competition.
The only way we can get more places now is if Chelsea win the Conference League. In that situation, if Chelsea finish 7th, then 7th place gets the Europa League and the Conference League place drops down to 8th.
In theory you can have 10 teams in Europe, but you'd need:
- 5 Champions League places via the co-efficients (1st-5th)
- 6th place to win the Europa League or Champions League (so also qualify for the CL)
- 7th place qualifies for the Europa League via their league position
- 8th place - If the FA Cup winner finishes in the top 7 (plus all the above), 8th place gets a Europa League spot
- 9th place - The Conference League winner finishes 9th, so qualifies for the Europa League and their Conference League spot drops down to ...
- 10th place - If the League Cup winner also finishes in the top 9
(There's no advantage to English clubs winning both the Champions League and Europa League as there's a maximum of 6 teams from any given country in that competition - it'd simply mean that England effectively lost the co-efficient place)
Post by: lovejoy on May 20, 2025, 06:30:58 PM
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 >:(
Quite clearly that was bollocks before your change, Man City to win twice (they don’t need to to finish above us), Chelsea to win and Newcastle to win is around 9/2.
We are odds on at OT. I will be laying that.
Post by: Rigadon on May 20, 2025, 07:55:57 PM
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.
If next year constitutes 20 minus 1 years, I think that means Spurs will get relegated, given their success when the year ends in a 1.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 20, 2025, 08:48:31 PM
So we need to win and hope Chelsea or Newcastle fail to match our result.
Post by: VillaTim on May 20, 2025, 09:12:58 PM
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.
Post by: andyh on May 20, 2025, 09:17:35 PM
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.
Post by: Richard on May 20, 2025, 10:05:01 PM
Forest to win as a draw is no good to them.
Us to win.
Newcastle to win.
Citeh draw.
Citeh 69
Newcastle 69
Us 69
Forest 68
Chelsea 66
Post by: LeonW on May 20, 2025, 10:11:55 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 20, 2025, 10:14:29 PM
Post by: Richard on May 20, 2025, 10:17:06 PM
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.
Disagree, thought they looked good on Sunday at West Ham.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 20, 2025, 10:18:49 PM
Post by: BoVillan esq on May 20, 2025, 10:20:08 PM
Newcastle to draw 1-1. Walkers Nonsuch rule.
Fulham to win 4-1, Pepohlookatmei'mgourgeousola, to be sacked.
Villa to win, we sign Isak!!!.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 20, 2025, 10:38:35 PM
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!!!.
Unlikely, I don't think we'll sign Isak.
Post by: Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle on May 21, 2025, 06:11:25 AM
Post by: Dick Edwards on May 21, 2025, 07:12:56 AM
Post by: Dogtanian on May 21, 2025, 07:39:46 AM
Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here,
And hold their medals cheap whiles any speaks
That played with us upon Saint Unai’s day.
Post by: German James on May 21, 2025, 07:58:39 AM
Post by: Dave on May 21, 2025, 08:13:43 AM
...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
No available strikers and one league away win since early December.
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on May 21, 2025, 08:24:08 AM
Therefore I want Man Utd to lose tonight.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 21, 2025, 08:38:06 AM
Final fixtures:
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
Fulham vs Manchester City
Newcastle United vs Everton
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea
VILLA WIN
Champions League if at least one of the below happens:
Man City lose
Newcastle fail to win
Chelsea fail to win
Otherwise Europa League
VILLA DRAW
Champions League if:
Newcastle lose
Otherwise Europa League
VILLA LOSE
Europa League if:
Forest lose
Otherwise Conference League
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 21, 2025, 08:50:00 AM
I will be cheering the lillywhites tonight , I might even sing oh when the spurs er maybe not.
Post by: lovejoy on May 21, 2025, 08:50:54 AM
I’d love to be an optimistic person but I’m not. Often the optimists then become agree when reality hits. Better to be realistic. Chelsea are 2.24 to win on Sunday and we are about 1.8. So they have a 45% chance of winning and we have about 65%. So for us to win and them not it’s about 35% likely. 1 in 3 shot.
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 21, 2025, 08:52:50 AM
Post by: Ads on May 21, 2025, 08:57:55 AM
We win our game and look after that as a priority. Whether an Everton straight out of 2008-awkward vintage get a result, who knows and we may not care.
The statistical certainties apply to baseball and don't transmit to football, which is a funny old game for a reason.
Post by: andyh on May 21, 2025, 09:01:04 AM
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.
Post by: Dave P on May 21, 2025, 09:09:18 AM
Villa win = Champions League
Villa Draw = Europa League
Villa Lose = Conference League
Not definite or scientific of course, but more than likely.
Post by: eamonn on May 21, 2025, 09:23:22 AM
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.
Or proving thar Ollie Glasner is the best manager in Europe.
Post by: Villa in Denmark on May 21, 2025, 09:24:18 AM
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.
Or Palace are a decent team playing for a coach that demands professionalism against a mediocre at best Wolves team that have been on the beach for weeks.
V
ManUre are a rabble playing for a coach they don't want against a very good and motivated us.
It can be argued both ways. I just know that whatever the result tonight I'll be disappointed that one of those bunch of twats has one a major trophy despite being utter Blues.
Post by: The Edge on May 21, 2025, 09:32:41 AM
Post by: Ads on May 21, 2025, 09:54:38 AM
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.
Occams Razor, the Wolves are shit.
Post by: Dogtanian on May 21, 2025, 10:13:16 AM
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.
Post by: Dogtanian on May 21, 2025, 10:33:49 AM
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.
While Man City last night prove that losing a cup doesn't have to send you into a tailspin of despair that results in you losing your last home game of the season!
Post by: LeeB on May 21, 2025, 10:43:02 AM
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on May 21, 2025, 11:20:39 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on May 21, 2025, 11:23:46 AM
Post by: Monty on May 21, 2025, 11:25:30 AM
Post by: DB on May 21, 2025, 11:31:00 AM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 21, 2025, 11:47:54 AM
Unai means cowherd, I just discovered.
The cowbells are ringing for the claret & blue....
Unai can also mean shepherd but let's not use that for any songs.
Post by: Grande Pablo on May 21, 2025, 02:42:25 PM
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/may/21/crystal-palace-europa-league-participation-lyon-john-textor-concerns
Post by: andyh on May 21, 2025, 08:36:15 PM
Post by: Des Little on May 21, 2025, 09:19:05 PM
Post by: rob_bridge on May 21, 2025, 10:31:07 PM
If we can’t beat this United rabble on Sunday we don’t deserve ECL. They’re utter shite.
Indeed.
Any team that loses 4 times in a season to this Spuds team has serious issues
Post by: tomd2103 on May 21, 2025, 11:39:03 PM
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.
Pretty simple equation if we win really. A win for us means Manchester City would just have to avoid defeat and both Newcastle and Chelsea would have to win to finish above us.
Us drawing would mean Newcastle would need to lose for us to finish in the top 5.
Post by: Richard E on May 22, 2025, 06:30:55 AM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 22, 2025, 07:00:18 AM
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on May 22, 2025, 08:27:59 AM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 22, 2025, 09:06:48 AM
Still possible for us to finish 3rd. Think we've only done that twice in our history.
Don’t see that’s really realistic. If we get 5th I’ll be delighted.
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on May 22, 2025, 09:10:37 AM
Post by: montague on May 22, 2025, 09:37:24 AM
Still possible for us to finish 3rd. Think we've only done that twice in our history.
When did our history start? ;)
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 22, 2025, 11:02:33 AM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 22, 2025, 11:30:14 AM
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.
Post by: paul_e on May 22, 2025, 03:17:02 PM
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.
Always the bridesmaid never the flowergirl?
Post by: jwarry on May 22, 2025, 03:44:15 PM
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
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 22, 2025, 03:50:16 PM
Post by: jwarry on May 22, 2025, 04:06:41 PM
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
Post by: Dave on May 22, 2025, 04:17:50 PM
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
And if the Asensio goal hadn't gone in we'd have 64 and they'd have 67.
Post by: The Edge on May 22, 2025, 04:55:37 PM
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
Post by: The Edge on May 22, 2025, 04:59:05 PM
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 .
Post by: Somniloquism on May 22, 2025, 05:22:29 PM
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.
Post by: RamboandBruno on May 22, 2025, 05:40:24 PM
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.
Post by: Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle on May 23, 2025, 07:33:56 AM
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.
What's on the left wall?
No. Don't answer that.
Post by: Drummond on May 23, 2025, 07:55:54 AM
Post by: Duncan Shaw on May 23, 2025, 08:20:39 AM
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!!
Post by: Rigadon on May 23, 2025, 08:25:02 AM
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!!
Ever the bridesmaid… the bbc has pictures of the ‘other 3’ managers this morning. It will never change.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 23, 2025, 08:25:41 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on May 23, 2025, 08:35:34 AM
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.
The reason I'm looking at that one is because we were in the middle of a great run (and is the only blip in the league since the Palace game) and we just didn't play as well as we could have. Even on 90 minutes it would have been a result to take and if we had held on for the draw we would have been on 67 and they would have been on 66. So all we had to do was match Newcastle, Citeh and Chelsea instead of relying on other results even with a win.
Yes any dropped points could be pointed out but to me this is the killer if we don't make CL.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on May 23, 2025, 07:12:31 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 23, 2025, 07:24:20 PM
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.
If we don't qualify with a win, I hope we at least get decent weather for the Europa League victory parade this time next year.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 24, 2025, 12:02:16 AM
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.
69 is one more point than last season.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on May 24, 2025, 12:24:11 AM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 24, 2025, 02:45:50 AM
We've been fucking useless and need to buck up our ideas.
Haha yeah, that point changes everything.
Post by: Dogtanian on May 24, 2025, 06:24:45 AM
Post by: lovejoy on May 24, 2025, 06:59:17 AM
Post by: OCD on May 24, 2025, 07:24:54 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 24, 2025, 08:02:38 AM
We could and should have more point than we have right now though.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 24, 2025, 08:28:24 AM
Post by: Rigadon on May 24, 2025, 09:55:37 AM
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.
Post by: OCD on May 24, 2025, 10:41:42 AM
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.
Post by: VillaTim on May 24, 2025, 10:44:43 AM
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.
Post by: dave.woodhall on May 24, 2025, 10:50:07 AM
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.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on May 24, 2025, 10:53:41 AM
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.
Yep. First season in the Champions League, everyone was predicting for us to not be able to cope (understandable) but we've done really quite good. It will feel a bit shit if we don't get it, but in context, we have done well. Look at Newcastle last season, the twats, and we got to the quarters!
Post by: dave.woodhall on May 24, 2025, 10:58:57 AM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 24, 2025, 11:15:32 AM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 24, 2025, 11:21:09 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 24, 2025, 11:34:38 AM
Post by: Monty on May 24, 2025, 11:37:38 AM
The big immediate disappointment tomorrow will be if we don't do our bit and win.
The media are doing their absolute best to curse the fuck out of us too. So many articles on how bad Man Utd are, that everyone's miserable, they can't run in a straight line, they smell etc. I've never seen such a jinx effort before in my life.
Post by: VillaTim on May 24, 2025, 11:40:06 AM
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 .
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 24, 2025, 11:42:36 AM
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.
Post by: Beard82 on May 24, 2025, 11:47:24 AM
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.
Post by: VillaTim on May 24, 2025, 11:49:34 AM
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.
So it further underlines how crap this seasons bottom 3 are.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 24, 2025, 11:52:38 AM
Post by: JD on May 24, 2025, 11:54:25 AM
Not 76 either. Keep trying.
Brilliant. Glad he's not my accountant.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 24, 2025, 12:00:10 PM
Post by: VillaTim on May 24, 2025, 12:02:10 PM
Cooking the books , whoops . I'll go for a lie down.Not 76 either. Keep trying.
Brilliant. Glad he's not my accountant.
Post by: VillaTim on May 24, 2025, 12:03:39 PM
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.
Post by: Dave on May 24, 2025, 01:46:31 PM
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 .
They probably wish he'd done that a bit more winning matches on his own, he's scored once in his last twenty matches in all competitions. His last goal away from Stamford Bridge was on January 4th.
"Wasteful" Ollie Watins has nine in the same time period.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on May 24, 2025, 01:50:28 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 24, 2025, 02:00:37 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on May 24, 2025, 02:02:06 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 24, 2025, 02:12:05 PM
I reckon, if we end the season with a solid 69, there will be satisfaction all round.
If we win and don't qualify, it'll be a hard one to swallow.
Post by: Clampy on May 24, 2025, 02:18:27 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on May 24, 2025, 02:42:57 PM
Post by: curiousorange on May 24, 2025, 03:07:57 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 24, 2025, 03:10:35 PM
Post by: Monty on May 24, 2025, 03:11:56 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 24, 2025, 03:33:00 PM
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.
Overall i think the standard has gone down.
Liverpool won it at a canter.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 24, 2025, 03:40:45 PM
Post by: eamonn on May 24, 2025, 04:20:47 PM
Post by: VillaTim on May 24, 2025, 04:47:53 PM
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.
Post by: ez on May 24, 2025, 04:55:04 PM
Post by: eamonn on May 24, 2025, 06:29:11 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 24, 2025, 06:45:35 PM
'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.
Post by: Dogtanian on May 24, 2025, 06:53:20 PM
'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%
Post by: dave.woodhall on May 24, 2025, 07:29:40 PM
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.
We talked about this a few years ago - how TV money has levelled the playing field for smaller clubs who manage to stay up for a couple of years. Much as it's funny, there's no way Manchester United and Spurs would have finished where they will ten years ago.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on May 24, 2025, 08:06:39 PM
Post by: lovejoy on May 24, 2025, 08:11:46 PM
'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%
Again this assumes each result is equally likely, which is a false premise. Although the results are not dissimilar to those assigning likelihood (bookies).
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 24, 2025, 08:18:26 PM
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.
Earlier I looked up when Sunderland were last in the PL. They were relegated and finished bottom in 2017 with 24 points, then Boro with 28, and Hull with 34 points. 2 of the 3 promoted teams were relegated (Boro and Hull) but were clearly more competitive.
Post by: VillaTim on May 24, 2025, 08:30:32 PM
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on May 24, 2025, 10:34:05 PM
Hopefully the masses are correct.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 24, 2025, 10:38:15 PM
Post by: rougegorge on May 24, 2025, 10:43:35 PM
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.
Post by: mike on May 24, 2025, 10:45:39 PM
'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.
Post by: Dogtanian on May 24, 2025, 10:59:28 PM
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.
It’s a funny old game, innit!
Post by: eamonn on May 24, 2025, 11:27:50 PM
Post by: Mellin on May 24, 2025, 11:32:12 PM
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.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 25, 2025, 07:08:56 AM
(Please let this post be mocked within an inch of its life at around 6pm tonight).
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on May 25, 2025, 07:20:52 AM
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.
Think Varteks have been refounded since then, there may even be 2 separate clubs.
Post by: wince on May 25, 2025, 07:56:52 AM
Post by: Drummond on May 25, 2025, 08:43:08 AM
Post by: lovejoy on May 25, 2025, 10:04:40 AM
Come on Forest, Fulham, Everton.
…and Villa.
Post by: andyh on May 25, 2025, 10:05:48 AM
Post by: VillaTim on May 25, 2025, 10:19:02 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on May 25, 2025, 10:41:07 AM
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.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 25, 2025, 11:00:55 AM
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.
Yes. I think I mentioned that at the time too.
Post by: Mellin on May 25, 2025, 11:18:00 AM
Post by: andyh on May 25, 2025, 11:21:50 AM
Post by: lovejoy on May 25, 2025, 11:26:52 AM
Post by: Dick Edwards on May 25, 2025, 11:30:23 AM
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on May 25, 2025, 11:37:07 AM
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’m in the same camp. Forest is a tough place to go and Chelsea are poor on the road. The only thing I’ve noticed recently is Forest, instead of playing Elanga and Hudson Odie, have been putting an extra midfielder in. Don't know if that’s due to injury or tactical.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 25, 2025, 12:08:56 PM
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?
Even more impressive when you look at our fixtures. All top half teams except for Southampton and the last two games.
Post by: Goldenballs on May 25, 2025, 03:34:40 PM
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.
Post by: andyh on May 25, 2025, 03:36:14 PM
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.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 25, 2025, 03:37:31 PM
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.
https://www.heroesandvillains.info/forumv3/index.php?topic=65969.0
Post by: Goldenballs on May 25, 2025, 03:40:14 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on May 25, 2025, 06:03:28 PM
Post by: Richard E on May 25, 2025, 06:06:33 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 25, 2025, 06:15:20 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 25, 2025, 06:15:58 PM
Post by: caster troy on May 25, 2025, 06:16:06 PM
Post by: tomd2103 on May 25, 2025, 06:16:33 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 25, 2025, 06:20:47 PM
Post by: stevo_st on May 25, 2025, 06:21:06 PM
Post by: Stu on May 25, 2025, 06:22:23 PM
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.
Post by: jwarry on May 25, 2025, 06:24:20 PM
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
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 25, 2025, 06:25:17 PM
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.
If we have bet the farm on CL we’re fucking mental - I’m hoping we’ve more sense than that.
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 25, 2025, 06:26:11 PM
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.
Post by: malckennedy on May 25, 2025, 06:28:38 PM
Post by: DC1874 on May 25, 2025, 06:32:18 PM
Post by: PhilVill on May 25, 2025, 06:32:25 PM
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
Agree, I think this team has gone as far as it could, its time for a bit of a revamp and to be honest, the difference between Europa and CL is that two big names will be gone by June 30th and not one.
Post by: Stu on May 25, 2025, 06:34:20 PM
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.
We've had a decently full squad for months. I get that we're relatively spoiled now however I would say we haven't been convincing very often. PSR means we have to sell, so whatever was on offer this season won't come up again very soon. Absolutely bottled the lot.
Post by: Behind Bluenose Lines on May 25, 2025, 06:36:20 PM
Fuck the FA I hope England never win a pot again!I wouldn't worry too much about that!
Post by: tomd2103 on May 25, 2025, 11:33:45 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 26, 2025, 05:28:43 AM
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.
Post by: stevo_st on May 26, 2025, 09:55:36 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on May 26, 2025, 12:03:16 PM
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.
Nope, bottom line is we would have scored at OT, but would have still lost 2-1 as we were down to 10 men and had put in probably our joint worst domestic performance of the season even when we were at 11.
Post by: Ads on May 26, 2025, 12:36:26 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 26, 2025, 12:48:34 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 26, 2025, 12:50:15 PM
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on May 26, 2025, 01:53:36 PM
Post by: algy on May 26, 2025, 01:58:19 PM
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.
Eagles - check
Random foreign team you’ve never heard of before or since - check
Villa still Villa-ing stuff up - check
You just know.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on May 26, 2025, 02:06:51 PM
The Conference though, although still European football, would have been a massive disappointment.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 26, 2025, 02:15:50 PM
Post by: tomd2103 on May 26, 2025, 03:29:05 PM
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.
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 26, 2025, 04:01:27 PM
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.
Post by: BoVillan esq on May 26, 2025, 04:12:15 PM
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.
You can't argue with this, absolutely correct, none of this conversation would be taking place had we won, plus when you think how other results went our way, who would have bet on Everton, difficult team, but Newcastle at Newcastle, wow!, the thing is, its possible there are things we are not seeing here that would account for such a dire performance, when it was so badly needed, its possible that this team have peaked, its possible that there are a number of players who's heads are turned, looking elsewhere, and of course the unmentionable..its possible Uni Emry himself has peaked and has nothing left to offer, i read a brilliant footy analysis on the life of a football manager in the modern game, 3 seasons and the stats show the games up, move on, some even earlier some never get the team/club right.
As said it was up to the team to do there stuff yesterday, but why was is so very poor.
Post by: VillaTim on May 26, 2025, 04:31:05 PM
Post by: tomd2103 on May 26, 2025, 04:59:52 PM
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.
That's true TV and I agree that I don't think we lose that game if we go ahead at that point. We were dreadful yesterday though and made it extremely difficult for ourselves.
Post by: brontebilly on May 26, 2025, 05:21:07 PM
Very much the "nearly" season, we have shown Arsenal levels of choking in the big games when it mattered most .
The fact we finished with 66 points and went deep in two cup competitions does suggest Emery got a lot right and the players in the main performed strongly. You don't get to the big games without mastering the run of the mill stuff.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 26, 2025, 06:32:11 PM
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.
Post by: tomd2103 on May 26, 2025, 07:34:03 PM
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.
Agree about the need for pace. We have, however, had a handful of absolutely stinking performances this season and they have all involved the whole attacking unit giving tne ball away far too often. It means we have been under constant pressure in those games and have cracked.
Rogers and Watkins had absolute howlers yesterday and gave the ball away pretty much every time they had it.
Post by: VillaTim on May 26, 2025, 08:32:50 PM
Post by: pauliewalnuts on May 26, 2025, 08:34:21 PM
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.
Post by: VillaTim on May 26, 2025, 08:36:30 PM
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.
Post by: Ads on May 26, 2025, 08:40:47 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 26, 2025, 08:43:29 PM
Post by: Dave on May 26, 2025, 08:47:05 PM
Post by: tomd2103 on May 26, 2025, 08:47:30 PM
Sounds really easy this. I guess if we buy two fast players, we'll win two trophies instead of one.
Might be a bit more to it than that! Watching the 'elite' teams we played in the Champions League games at Villa Park this season, one thing that really struck me was the athleticism and pace they had in their teams. It meant that when they broke in attack, they seemed to be on the edge of our area in an instant.
Post by: Ads on May 26, 2025, 08:48:30 PM
Post by: VillaTim on May 26, 2025, 08:54:26 PM
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.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 26, 2025, 09:01:28 PM
Post by: Ads on May 26, 2025, 09:05:56 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on August 07, 2025, 10:36:42 PM
https://theanalyst.com/articles/premier-league-predictions-2025-26-opta-supercomputer
Post by: Ads on August 08, 2025, 09:51:43 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on August 08, 2025, 09:57:14 AM
Post by: Dave on August 08, 2025, 09:58:38 AM
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.
Post by: Smithy on August 08, 2025, 10:00:38 AM
This is the bit where Emery does something incredible and moulds a team that look like champions league certainties from October onwards.
Post by: AV82EC on August 08, 2025, 10:04:03 AM
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.
Post by: Dave on August 08, 2025, 10:20:19 AM
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.
Post by: Ads on August 08, 2025, 10:23:03 AM
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.
Post by: paul_e on August 08, 2025, 10:55:19 AM
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.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on August 08, 2025, 10:59:39 AM
Post by: Monty on August 08, 2025, 11:01:00 AM
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.
We're in the Unai Trophy this year anyway, so we might not need the league.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on August 08, 2025, 11:02:21 AM
We'll finish 3rd and lose the final.
Post by: paul_e on August 08, 2025, 11:11:00 AM
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.
but the change in format helps us out more than many other leagues because our lower ranked teams used to get drawn in groups like (Newcastle, Milan, PSG, Dortmund) and end up getting a kicking but now even if they do get those 3 it's only 1 game each and there are 5 more games, 4 of which are against lower ranked sides.
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.
English sides have to fail spectacularly to not make at least the play off round, honestly we should see 7-8 teams in the knockouts most seasons in the new format, purely because of our financial advantages.
Post by: Ads on August 08, 2025, 11:12:24 AM
I'm in favour of and.
Post by: paul_e on August 08, 2025, 11:23:27 AM
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.
Struggled to, and then did anyway, despite being shit, which kinda backs up my point, even a poor run saw them get 14.75 coefficient points and not be a significant drag on the national total. Every stat you can find backs up the idea that, with this new format, England should be top most seasons, regardless of how many places we have. the 2nd spot will then generally rotate between Spain, Italy and Germany who will all suffer a little with the extra teams because they have some absolute dross finishing in 7th and 8th in their leagues and those teams really are at risk of bombing out (just like Stuttgart, RB Leipzig, Bologna, Girona and Hoffenheim did last year).
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 08, 2025, 11:32:43 AM
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.
If England had nine qualifiers last season, and the two extra teams had got zero coefficient points each, England would still have got the extra Champions League place from finishing in the top two places.
On the one hand, England should be slightly weaker on average this season, because of the extra teams. One the other hand, though, the extra teams mean that if one or two underperform it isn't as bad for the average as would be the case if you have fewer teams.
Tl;dr. I would be surprised if England doesn't have (at least) five Champions League teams next season.
Post by: Somniloquism on August 08, 2025, 11:34:14 AM
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.
Post by: Demitri_C on August 08, 2025, 11:35:15 AM
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 08, 2025, 11:36:03 AM
Post by: Ads on August 08, 2025, 11:39:19 AM
Post by: paul_e on August 08, 2025, 11:41:22 AM
It's fucking Spurs though. Not even Spurs fans rely on Spurs.
No one is relying on them though, jut pointing out that even at their most spursy they should be able to win a couple of games against some of the dross in pot 3 and 4.
Post by: paul_e on August 08, 2025, 11:44:28 AM
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.
Only if the 2 extra teams lose every game, if you get a few wins and squeeze into the playoff round you get about 14 points, which would nudge that average up, meaning even getting a couple of teams into the semi-finals would be enough unless all the other spots are teams from 2 other nations.
Post by: Keeno on August 08, 2025, 11:44:50 AM
I think the slightly lower-pressure Europa League nights, especially in the first half of the season, where we can rotate more, will hopefully prevent that mid-season dip that we had last year and play into our advantage.
Chelsea and Newcastle both have that heavy CL league-phase schedule where they're unlikely to rotate their first XI as much. And Newcastle have had a shocking summer, and may still lose Isak (at the very best they'll have an unhappy player on their hands). If he goes, they're in big trouble at this stage of the summer.
Post by: Somniloquism on August 08, 2025, 12:27:13 PM
Edit: Mudryk is on their A list so that is one who has to come off but wouldn't be able to be sold.
Post by: Drummond on August 08, 2025, 12:31:27 PM
Newcastle haven't done much and have to worry about Champs League again. Tottenham have a new manager, a broadly similar squad and no Maddison to drive them forward.
Man Utd have strengthened but not got rid of their deadwood, yet.
I'd say 5th place is realistic for us. Higher is possible, hoping that one of the Top 4 have a bad year.
Forest will be top half, and other than that it's all a bit meh.
Post by: VillaTim on August 08, 2025, 12:47:30 PM
Post by: UK Redsox on August 08, 2025, 01:20:37 PM
Post by: brontebilly on August 08, 2025, 01:43:07 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 08, 2025, 01:54:17 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 08, 2025, 01:57:33 PM
Post by: eamonn on August 09, 2025, 08:47:23 AM
Post by: Richard E on August 09, 2025, 09:03:22 AM
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.
I think Liverpool are going to walk the title.
Post by: algy on August 09, 2025, 09:24:08 AM
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.
Post by: algy on August 09, 2025, 09:30:38 AM
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.
The only crumbs we’ll be handing down will be the Europa League place from our FA Cup win.
Post by: Smirker on August 09, 2025, 03:40:37 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 09, 2025, 05:06:21 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 09, 2025, 05:09:45 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on August 09, 2025, 07:06:46 PM
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 09, 2025, 08:38:05 PM
We really need to improve on the defence if we are to do it. I just cant see us keeping enough clean sheets
Agreed. Last season it was more our goals conceded rather than lack of goals scored that really set us back against those teams around us. The table doesn't lie but it appears we've done nothing to address the problem.
Post by: OCD on August 10, 2025, 06:31:50 AM
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 10, 2025, 11:24:26 AM
Post by: Bosco81 on August 10, 2025, 11:38:20 AM
Post by: Richard E on August 10, 2025, 12:45:25 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on September 13, 2025, 09:49:29 PM
We are already 7 points behind spurs. Its been a disastrous start to the season
The gap looks larger than ever. Selling players, poor recruitment and mistakes under gerrad has total killed us
Post by: Smirker on September 13, 2025, 11:18:29 PM
Post by: Ads on September 13, 2025, 11:26:06 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on November 02, 2025, 05:26:14 PM
Post by: eamonn on November 02, 2025, 06:01:24 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on November 02, 2025, 06:04:24 PM
Post by: Rico on November 02, 2025, 06:07:19 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on November 02, 2025, 06:11:42 PM
Post by: eamonn on November 02, 2025, 06:14:12 PM
Yes, we'll either finish top 5 or win the Europa League.
Why not both as the meme went.
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on November 02, 2025, 07:04:05 PM
After that it’s all to play for. I think most likely scenario is Chelsea 4th and us 5th, which should be enough for Champions League qualification.
So a ‘yes’ from me.
Post by: Aldridge Villa on November 02, 2025, 07:15:13 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on November 02, 2025, 07:25:02 PM
Post by: Mellin on November 02, 2025, 08:22:07 PM
I'm going seventh. Might win the Europa. Grealish on loan and a centre forward would've probably tipped the balance.
Post by: Villafirst on November 03, 2025, 06:23:32 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on November 03, 2025, 08:46:27 AM
Post by: Dave on November 03, 2025, 08:59:27 AM
Unlike last season, we have no loan options, so anyone brought in would need to be bought, and we would need a decent sale to help with that.
We've got our two domestic loans, but is there anything stopping us bringing in other loans from abroad?
Post by: Nunkin1965 on November 03, 2025, 09:10:56 AM
I think we'll win the Europa League anyway!
Post by: Dave on November 03, 2025, 09:24:08 AM
The January transfer window will be crucial, like last season.
In the twenty or so years that the transfer window has been a thing, I don't remember a single one which we didn't claim on here was crucial.
But without wanting to be too contrarian, unless we have a significant injury somewhere (Watkins / Cash?) it's probably one of the least crucial that I can remember.
Rather than bringing in a load of new players, the focus should be on turning Guessand / Sancho / Elliott / Malen into more productive versions. Because we don't have the financial leeway to just toss them out and replace them.
Post by: ChicagoLion on November 03, 2025, 09:42:38 AM
So no I think we will come up short.
Post by: OCD on November 03, 2025, 11:15:13 AM
Post by: Dave on November 03, 2025, 11:17:50 AM
I wouldn't say Chelsea are guaranteed a spot and if we win the Europa League, it doesn't matter where we finish.
And we're still heavy favourites to do that - more than twice as likely (based on the odds) as second favourites Porto.
Caveated of course by the fact that we were massive favourites in the Conference League too.
Post by: eamonn on November 03, 2025, 11:29:48 AM
Post by: Dave on November 03, 2025, 11:39:30 AM
Roma look all over the shop at the moment.
While they've been pretty ropey in Europe so far they're a point of the top of Serie A having conceded fewer goals in the league than anyone in Europe apart from Bayern and Arsenal.
That's pretty tight for "all over the shop".
Post by: Drummond on November 03, 2025, 11:40:22 AM
Post by: Smithy on November 03, 2025, 11:58:35 AM
12 points from 15, first defeat in the League since August and it was away at Liverpool. The last three include 2 away and one home against 'Big 6' clubs. We're shaping up ok after a slow start.
Yep, given the start we had, I'd have snapped your hand off for "3 points off the Champions League places" going into November. Beat Bournemouth by a couple of goals (by no means easy or guaranteed) and I wouldn't be surprised to see us in the top 6/7 come Sunday evening, given who the teams around us are playing. (Spurs and man Utd play each other, Brighton and Palace play each other, Sunderland at Arsenal)
Post by: Meanwood Villa on November 03, 2025, 12:36:46 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on November 03, 2025, 12:37:41 PM
I think 4 places have gone as I don’t see anyone ahead of Arsenal Pool Chelsea citeh. Then there is the scramble between us Newcastle Manure Spurs Bournemouth Brighton Forest.
So no I think we will come up short.
Forest?
Post by: Dave on November 03, 2025, 12:43:26 PM
Post by: eamonn on November 03, 2025, 05:57:37 PM
Roma look all over the shop at the moment.
While they've been pretty ropey in Europe so far they're a point of the top of Serie A having conceded fewer goals in the league than anyone in Europe apart from Bayern and Arsenal.
That's pretty tight for "all over the shop".
I blame the quality of Serie A...
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 03, 2025, 08:08:22 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on November 04, 2025, 03:01:20 AM
If we want a chance of that we need to get way more output from the attackers. I’m not writing any off, but Guessand, Elliott, and Sancho have brought little to nothing in terms of attacking support to date.
Sancho has hardly any minutes, but the signs are good.
Got a feeling that Unai doesn’t rate Elliott, or at least doesn’t think he’s an efficient use of scant resources.
A return to last season’s form for Tielemans and Rogers, and a fulfilment of early promise from Sancho, Barkley, Buendia and Malen will be key to our chances.
Post by: ChicagoLion on November 04, 2025, 05:31:25 AM
Even under Emery we seem to have an unerring ability to blow it on the big occasion.I wouldn't say Chelsea are guaranteed a spot and if we win the Europa League, it doesn't matter where we finish.
And we're still heavy favourites to do that - more than twice as likely (based on the odds) as second favourites Porto.
Caveated of course by the fact that we were massive favourites in the Conference League too.
Post by: Dave on November 07, 2025, 09:24:06 AM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G5GspzmWcAAENEi?format=jpg)
Post by: eamonn on November 07, 2025, 11:01:11 AM
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on November 24, 2025, 11:33:41 AM
I don’t think second/third is beyond us.
Post by: eamonn on November 24, 2025, 11:55:37 AM
Post by: Dave on November 24, 2025, 12:01:07 PM
Overperforming - Buendia
Performing at the level needed - Rogers / Malen
Underperforming - Watkins / Sancho / Guessand / Elliott
Then it's pretty darn impressive that we've found the consistency to get to fourth place given how badly most of our attackers are doing. Even if one or two of them found a bit a form then things would start to look pretty strong.
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on November 24, 2025, 12:03:52 PM
Post by: Smirker on November 24, 2025, 12:08:41 PM
If we're within 5 points of 1st after Christmas it's a realistic aim.
Post by: SoccerHQ on November 24, 2025, 12:14:31 PM
I looked at Liverpool's bench before the Forest game and it looked poor and none of them could do anything when Slot was making subs at 2-0 down.
Newcastle just relying on their regular 11 from last two seasons still.
Man. United bench will be weak tonight but they have improved their first 11 this season.
Chelsea bench was strong on Saturday but Caciedo and Garnacho were only there with them playing Barcelona tomorrow.
In last two months we've had Buendia looking lively from the bench and then becoming starter, Barkley has had some excellent cameos and we can put Maatsen and Sancho on to quicken the tempo to our play.
Then you get to yesterday and Malen is putting in a great cross to set up a goal. If Onana had been fit then Youri might've been rested for another week.
This will help us massively as the season goes on. We certainly have far better depth in most areas compared to 23/24 anyway.
Post by: Dave on November 24, 2025, 12:22:40 PM
IMO we have the third best squad in the league. Not the third best 11 if people can grasp it.
I'd say fourth, behind Arsenal, Man City and Chelsea.
I think where we're massively ahead of the game is against those teams that are overperforming - if you look at Palace's squad, I think they've got about 15 players before you start looking at teenagers and elderly stop-gaps.
Assuming they're going to be in the Conference League until very late in the competition and they're seeing four players in teams expected to do well at AFCON, it's hard to see how they'll be putting a team out for the last third of the season.
Brighton and Bournemouth look similarly thin once you get past the core 12-15 or so players.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on November 24, 2025, 01:11:37 PM
Post by: brontebilly on November 24, 2025, 01:25:04 PM
I can't see Arsenal, ManC and Chelsea failing to be top 5 which leaves two spots for the chasing pack. We're well in that mix but I do think we need to stop giving away silly freekicks, and create more clear chances consistently.
I'm not that sure about Man City. Saw a bit of them v Newcastle. They are very easy to play against these days. Haaland doing a lot of heavy lifting there.
Good opportunity for us this season for sure. But the form of Watkins and Martinez needs to improve.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on November 24, 2025, 01:32:15 PM
Post by: Rigadon on November 24, 2025, 01:35:31 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on November 24, 2025, 01:36:39 PM
Last November they drew with Feyenoord, lost to Bournemouth and Brighton and were thrashed by Tottenham and Sporting. They still made the Champions League relatively comfortably.
They'll be top five this season.
Post by: Dave on November 24, 2025, 01:45:50 PM
Post by: eamonn on November 24, 2025, 03:00:54 PM
Now that Emi and Morgz have perfected the knuckleball free-kick method, if they can teach it to a left footer ie Lucas, we'll be well on our way.
Post by: Drummond on November 24, 2025, 03:02:15 PM
IMO we have the third best squad in the league. Not the third best 11 if people can grasp it.
I'd say fourth, behind Arsenal, Man City and Chelsea.
I think where we're massively ahead of the game is against those teams that are overperforming - if you look at Palace's squad, I think they've got about 15 players before you start looking at teenagers and elderly stop-gaps.
Assuming they're going to be in the Conference League until very late in the competition and they're seeing four players in teams expected to do well at AFCON, it's hard to see how they'll be putting a team out for the last third of the season.
Brighton and Bournemouth look similarly thin once you get past the core 12-15 or so players.
I think Liverpool were the same last season, they were just extremely lucky with inuries (or the lack of them).
Post by: Baldy on November 24, 2025, 04:17:41 PM
We've scored the most goals outside the box this season. Unai clearly following Stevie G's tactics of "someone coming up with something special".
Now that Emi and Morgz have perfected the knuckleball free-kick method, if they can teach it to a left footer ie Lucas, we'll be well on our way.
True, for every free kick around the box the oppo goalie wont have a clue where to stand.
Post by: Dave on November 24, 2025, 04:30:14 PM
We've scored the most goals outside the box this season. Unai clearly following Stevie G's tactics of "someone coming up with something special".
Now that Emi and Morgz have perfected the knuckleball free-kick method, if they can teach it to a left footer ie Lucas, we'll be well on our way.
True, for every free kick around the box the oppo goalie wont have a clue where to stand.
Now that we're about to have a reputation for "Villa score those knuckleball free-kicks", hopefully McPhee is spending the next week or two working out exactly what routine to play if the other team has set their free-kick defence up to expect that.
For example, wouldn't surprise me if Wolves stuck a player on the post if Rogers or Buendia steps up, like in the olden days.
Post by: SoccerHQ on November 24, 2025, 07:52:44 PM
IMO we have the third best squad in the league. Not the third best 11 if people can grasp it.
I'd say fourth, behind Arsenal, Man City and Chelsea.
I think where we're massively ahead of the game is against those teams that are overperforming - if you look at Palace's squad, I think they've got about 15 players before you start looking at teenagers and elderly stop-gaps.
Assuming they're going to be in the Conference League until very late in the competition and they're seeing four players in teams expected to do well at AFCON, it's hard to see how they'll be putting a team out for the last third of the season.
Brighton and Bournemouth look similarly thin once you get past the core 12-15 or so players.
Chelsea have more CBs than us but don't rate many of them.
If they're missing Caciedo then they had a game this season where they had Malo Gusto in central midfield and it looked pretty bad.
For Chelsea to be top four certs they can't afford Caciedo to get a long term injury. He's as crucial for them as Kamara is for us.
BTW Man. United bench tonight with a few injuries: Bayindir, Heaven, Dalot, L.Martinez, Malacia, Mainoo, Mount, Ugarte, Lacey.
They're really going to struggle during AFCON as Mazaouri, Amad Diallo and Mbuemo are all starting for them tonight down the right hand side.
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on November 24, 2025, 08:14:24 PM
I think the slow start was as much due the mood in the camp (squad, staff and ownership) following the last day disappointment and subsequent lacklustre window. The antics from Martinez can hardly have helped either. Emery, genius that he is, has now figured out how to assemble the pieces he was gifted into an increasingly impressive team. I have no doubt that as the season goes on we will see improvements from players that are not showing much yet.
Top four will not be easy, but we have as good a chance as every other team other than Man City and Arsenal (who are a level above us still). I am also hopeful we will qualify by winning a trophy this season as well.
Post by: Smithy on November 24, 2025, 09:14:24 PM
We've scored the most goals outside the box this season. Unai clearly following Stevie G's tactics of "someone coming up with something special".
Now that Emi and Morgz have perfected the knuckleball free-kick method, if they can teach it to a left footer ie Lucas, we'll be well on our way.
True, for every free kick around the box the oppo goalie wont have a clue where to stand.
Now that we're about to have a reputation for "Villa score those knuckleball free-kicks", hopefully McPhee is spending the next week or two working out exactly what routine to play if the other team has set their free-kick defence up to expect that.
For example, wouldn't surprise me if Wolves stuck a player on the post if Rogers or Buendia steps up, like in the olden days.
Been thinking the same, but if they do that, and put someone on the line, then offside goes away and we can stand in front of them and the goalie without punishment. Which then invites a game of chicken when those defenders move off the line as the shot is taken.
I do think goalies will stand more centrally than they have been doing, as they simply can't assume the wall will stop the ball, but then they're having to back themselves to react to the slower shot. These knuckle-balls don't have the pace of a whipped free kick, so technically they have more reaction time - they just have to see it and predict it's flight (which is far from easy).
It's obviously a very effective technique, but I do think we're punching well above our weight with them now, so we'll probably not see another one all season!
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 24, 2025, 09:40:47 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on November 24, 2025, 09:57:29 PM
Post by: Smithy on November 25, 2025, 10:45:39 AM
Saw something earlier suggesting we're massively outperforming xG. I know not everyone is a fan of the metric but let's say there is something in it. If so, there's a couple of ways of looking at it. Either we can't keep getting away with it, or imagine what we'll be like when we get our shit together.
It also tells us that Ollie isn't getting chances. If his barren spell was down to missing chances, we'd be underperforming against xG - the fact that we're the opposite suggests we're not creating much at all for him to actually score from.
Post by: LeeB on November 25, 2025, 10:53:41 AM
Saw something earlier suggesting we're massively outperforming xG. I know not everyone is a fan of the metric but let's say there is something in it. If so, there's a couple of ways of looking at it. Either we can't keep getting away with it, or imagine what we'll be like when we get our shit together.
It also tells us that Ollie isn't getting chances. If his barren spell was down to missing chances, we'd be underperforming against xG - the fact that we're the opposite suggests we're not creating much at all for him to actually score from.
But also that some of the openings that may become chances are being lost because he's getting beaten to the ball.
Post by: Drummond on November 25, 2025, 11:09:25 AM
Saw something earlier suggesting we're massively outperforming xG. I know not everyone is a fan of the metric but let's say there is something in it. If so, there's a couple of ways of looking at it. Either we can't keep getting away with it, or imagine what we'll be like when we get our shit together.
It also tells us that Ollie isn't getting chances. If his barren spell was down to missing chances, we'd be underperforming against xG - the fact that we're the opposite suggests we're not creating much at all for him to actually score from.
But also that some of the openings that may become chances are being lost because he's getting beaten to the ball.
I think part of the issue is that there's a combination of factors, including that teams are working out how dangerous he can be, are nullifying that threat, and because he's low on confidence and potentially fitness, he's not finding a way through like he was.
You don't score the goals and get the assists etc that he does without having something about you. He's not a one-season wonder either.
Whatever though, something needs to change, because we can't rely on free kicks and shots from outside the box to win stuff.
Post by: not3bad on November 25, 2025, 12:25:50 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on November 25, 2025, 12:27:14 PM
I've just seen that Villa are second from bottom of the league when it comes to XG.
Emery Out!
Post by: Sexual Ealing on November 25, 2025, 12:33:29 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on November 25, 2025, 12:37:46 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on November 25, 2025, 01:01:50 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on November 26, 2025, 10:10:20 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on November 26, 2025, 10:11:07 AM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on November 26, 2025, 10:18:35 AM
We haven't had a pen in the league have we?
Let's keep it that way.
Post by: cdbearsfan on November 26, 2025, 10:30:35 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on November 26, 2025, 10:44:14 AM
Post by: cdbearsfan on November 26, 2025, 10:55:58 AM
Post by: Richard on November 26, 2025, 11:37:57 AM
We have had two in the Europa League. Missed vs Go Ahead Eagles, scored vs Maccabi Tel Aviv. We also scored two and missed two in our League Cup shootout defeat at Brentford.
Three in the EL? Watkins missed v Bologna.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on November 26, 2025, 11:54:54 AM
We have had two in the Europa League. Missed vs Go Ahead Eagles, scored vs Maccabi Tel Aviv. We also scored two and missed two in our League Cup shootout defeat at Brentford.
Three in the EL? Watkins missed v Bologna.
Blimey, I'd forgotten that
Post by: cdbearsfan on November 26, 2025, 01:10:58 PM
Post by: Dave on November 27, 2025, 09:56:02 PM
I think where we're massively ahead of the game is against those teams that are overperforming - if you look at Palace's squad, I think they've got about 15 players before you start looking at teenagers and elderly stop-gaps.
Assuming they're going to be in the Conference League until very late in the competition and they're seeing four players in teams expected to do well at AFCON, it's hard to see how they'll be putting a team out for the last third of the season.
Palace playing nine of their first team to lose to Strasbourg, with a tenth (Wharton) coming on in the first half to cover an injury.
They'd better have a good youth team for the last dozen matches.
Post by: Richard on November 27, 2025, 10:11:03 PM
Post by: eamonn on November 27, 2025, 11:51:26 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on November 27, 2025, 11:53:24 PM
Can we play Palace when they're decimated? Only chance of ever beating them again while it's Emery against Glasner.
*paging Dave*
Post by: eamonn on November 28, 2025, 09:43:32 AM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on November 28, 2025, 09:44:40 AM
Post by: Ads on November 28, 2025, 09:47:19 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on November 28, 2025, 09:56:33 AM
Arsenal Chelsea West Ham Brighton away.
Wolves Arsenal Manure home.
Do well to get 10 points.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on November 28, 2025, 10:39:36 AM
Post by: Monty on November 28, 2025, 10:48:46 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on November 28, 2025, 10:55:44 AM
Always a ray of sunshineJesus wants me for a sunbeam.
Post by: Dave on November 28, 2025, 11:14:59 AM
If that's what 'decimated' means, then you're only allowed to use 'egregious' to mean 'honoured, outstanding' (many such cases).
Enormity is the one that bugs me.
Post by: Monty on November 28, 2025, 11:16:07 AM
If that's what 'decimated' means, then you're only allowed to use 'egregious' to mean 'honoured, outstanding' (many such cases).
Enormity is the one that bugs me.
(That does actually bug me a bit yeah.)
Post by: Brazilian Villain on November 28, 2025, 01:30:27 PM
If that's what 'decimated' means, then you're only allowed to use 'egregious' to mean 'honoured, outstanding' (many such cases).
Enormity is the one that bugs me.
Journeyman?
Post by: Dave on November 28, 2025, 01:31:31 PM
If that's what 'decimated' means, then you're only allowed to use 'egregious' to mean 'honoured, outstanding' (many such cases).
Enormity is the one that bugs me.
Journeyman?
Eeesh, yeah. You know me well.
Post by: cdbearsfan on November 28, 2025, 01:37:36 PM
Oh, hang on. "I could care less".
Post by: paul_e on November 28, 2025, 02:04:43 PM
That one irritates me, but nothing does as much as inaccurate use of "literally".
Oh, hang on. "I could care less".
Most of these I'm ok with because language evolves and the meanings of words are part of that. "I could care less" isn't that, it's just people not even thinking about what they're saying.
Post by: Smirker on December 07, 2025, 11:15:16 AM
Post by: dave.woodhall on December 07, 2025, 11:18:46 AM
I think its a big hell no from the league.
We are already 7 points behind spurs. Its been a disastrous start to the season
The gap looks larger than ever. Selling players, poor recruitment and mistakes under gerrad has total killed us
And now?
Post by: Clampy on December 07, 2025, 11:25:50 AM
I think its a big hell no from the league.
We are already 7 points behind spurs. Its been a disastrous start to the season
The gap looks larger than ever. Selling players, poor recruitment and mistakes under gerrad has total killed us
And now?
I've no idea why he brought Gerrard up in that post.
Post by: Olneythelonely on December 07, 2025, 11:39:23 AM
I think its a big hell no from the league.
We are already 7 points behind spurs. Its been a disastrous start to the season
The gap looks larger than ever. Selling players, poor recruitment and mistakes under gerrad has total killed us
And now?
He’s right that the gap looks larger than ever.
Post by: Baldy on December 07, 2025, 12:36:16 PM
They have probably taken it for granted that Arses, Man City* and Chelski will qualify for Champions League and fourth spot is their best bet (possibly 5th as well). It must really piss them off when Villa win.
Love pissing them off. Long may it continue. ;D
Post by: cdbearsfan on December 07, 2025, 12:38:33 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on December 07, 2025, 12:42:28 PM
Post by: Baldy on December 07, 2025, 12:46:44 PM
I'm going to guess Tottenham weren't that pissed off.
They were probalby praying for a draw.
Post by: Richard E on December 07, 2025, 12:48:10 PM
Hopefully.
Post by: ChicagoLion on December 07, 2025, 12:58:59 PM
My spurs supporting mate text ,I'm going to guess Tottenham weren't that pissed off.
They were probalby praying for a draw.
Thank you. What a result. I hope you keep challenging for the title.
Post by: eye digress on December 14, 2025, 04:51:53 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on December 14, 2025, 04:54:01 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on December 14, 2025, 04:55:15 PM
December is a very tough Month fixture wise.
Arsenal Chelsea West Ham Brighton away.
Wolves Arsenal Manure home.
Do well to get 10 points.
On 12 with 3 of those games to go
Post by: Percy McCarthy on December 14, 2025, 04:56:17 PM
December is a very tough Month fixture wise.
Arsenal Chelsea West Ham Brighton away.
Wolves Arsenal Manure home.
Do well to get 10 points.
I think we’ll manage it. -2 to go.
Post by: usav on December 14, 2025, 04:57:56 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on December 14, 2025, 05:03:06 PM
While the start to the season wasn't ideal, the draw with Newcastle was OK, they are a good team. Brentford away, they had one chance due to a Mings/Pau fuck up and scored. A draw at Sunderland now looks like a good result and a draw at Everton's new stadium's second game is OK. Obviously, Palace was the outlier.
Especially with us down to 10 men for a 1/3rd of it.
Post by: lovejoy on December 14, 2025, 06:26:33 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on December 14, 2025, 07:17:06 PM
Post by: Smirker on December 14, 2025, 08:26:49 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on December 14, 2025, 08:31:32 PM
Post by: MalcolmP on December 14, 2025, 08:32:19 PM
With a 7 point gap plus GD now in our favour I'm going to say this is all but done now. It would take an unprecedented dip in form to miss out from here.All but done? Not even half way through the season. Nowhere near all but done.
Post by: eye digress on December 14, 2025, 08:43:21 PM
Take your point, but if you look at the gaps - we could be 13-odd points ahead of Spudz and the Jaudis, 8 ahead of Yernited, if results go our way next weekend - you’d think that those sides would not be able to make up gaps like that over the second half of the season.With a 7 point gap plus GD now in our favour I'm going to say this is all but done now. It would take an unprecedented dip in form to miss out from here.All but done? Not even half way through the season. Nowhere near all but done.
Bar catastrophe, of course. But we’re too well managed for that, surely?
I suppose that saying that at this juncture in the season could look like overconfidence, tempting fate, counting chickens, etc.
Alternatively, it might just be that that’s how it feels to genuinely be one of the “big four” (or five, or whatever), rather than the perrenial outsider?
Post by: Smirker on December 14, 2025, 08:47:43 PM
We'll be in the CL next season.
I'm never wrong.
Post by: TelfordVilla on December 14, 2025, 08:59:30 PM
Post by: Olneythelonely on December 14, 2025, 09:03:46 PM
Don’t think it’ll happen, but it’s far from done.
Post by: eye digress on December 14, 2025, 09:11:40 PM
I don’t think that any of our closest rivals (i.e., with chunky squads) for the last CL place (Jaudis, Spudz, Yernited) are capable of that.
Post by: Pete3206 on December 14, 2025, 09:16:15 PM
With a 7 point gap plus GD now in our favour I'm going to say this is all but done now. It would take an unprecedented dip in form to miss out from here.
Seriously?
There's a long, long way to go.
Post by: Mellin on December 14, 2025, 09:19:30 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on December 14, 2025, 09:20:37 PM
7 points is a great lead, but with 22 left it is far from being done.
Post by: Dave on December 14, 2025, 09:24:43 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on December 14, 2025, 09:26:48 PM
Post by: eye digress on December 14, 2025, 09:31:52 PM
Focus on beating United next weekend, and see how the other results go.
Post by: Somniloquism on December 14, 2025, 09:41:43 PM
On match day 15 last season, we were 5 points ahead of Newcastle and joint 5th with Forest. Chelsea were 4 points behind Liverpool. Five games later and we were 3 points behind Newcastle who were in 5th and 8 behind Forest. Liverpool were 11 points above Chelsea. 5 games into this season and we had only earned 3 points. There is definitely a very long way to go where a lot can happen.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on December 14, 2025, 09:44:53 PM
When we haven't even played half a season, I don't see how we could be anywhere close to getting it done. We are making it easier for ourselves but we have 25 games to play still, not 5.
On match day 15 last season, we were 5 points ahead of Newcastle and joint 5th with Forest. Chelsea were 4 points behind Liverpool. Five games later and we were 3 points behind Newcastle who were in 5th and 8 behind Forest. Liverpool were 11 points above Chelsea. 5 games into this season and we had only earned 3 points. There is definitely a very long way to go where a lot can happen.
22 games left
Post by: Smithy on December 14, 2025, 09:45:46 PM
That said, I'd MUCH rather be in our position than Chelsea's or Liverpool's.
Post by: PaulWinch again on December 14, 2025, 09:48:57 PM
I think we’re pretty close to getting it done.
Focus on beating United next weekend, and see how the other results go.
We’re really not. The Premier League is really hard, as demonstrated by us and Arsenal struggling past Wolves, and us battling to win today. They’re all wins, but there are very few “easy” games and it means if you’re slightly off it you can go on a run of poor results. We’re in a good spot, but we’re still going to have to do really well in the second part of the season to be in the top 5.
Post by: adrenachrome on December 14, 2025, 10:09:18 PM
I think we’re pretty close to getting it done.
Focus on beating United next weekend, and see how the other results go.
We’re really not. The Premier League is really hard, as demonstrated by us and Arsenal struggling past Wolves, and us battling to win today. They’re all wins, but there are very few “easy” games and it means if you’re slightly off it you can go on a run of poor results. We’re in a good spot, but we’re still going to have to do really well in the second part of the season to be in the top 5.
That's how I've seen it this season. There are no easy games. Every single team have quality players. Wolves are done for, but I would bet that there is a sting in their tail.
We are on a roll, and it is well deserved, but a couple of injuries could change things quickly.
Post by: rob_bridge on December 14, 2025, 10:13:32 PM
I think we’re pretty close to getting it done.
Focus on beating United next weekend, and see how the other results go.
We’re really not. The Premier League is really hard, as demonstrated by us and Arsenal struggling past Wolves, and us battling to win today. They’re all wins, but there are very few “easy” games and it means if you’re slightly off it you can go on a run of poor results. We’re in a good spot, but we’re still going to have to do really well in the second part of the season to be in the top 5.
That's how I've seen it this season. There are no easy games. Every single team have quality players. Wolves are done for, but I would bet that there is a sting in their tail.
We are on a roll, and it is well deserved, but a couple of injuries could change things quickly.
A bit more reassured in recent times with Lindelof being a decent stand in.
Post by: PaulWinch again on December 14, 2025, 10:21:00 PM
Post by: trinityoap on December 14, 2025, 10:31:51 PM
Post by: eye digress on December 14, 2025, 10:40:25 PM
You’re missing the point.I think we’re pretty close to getting it done.
Focus on beating United next weekend, and see how the other results go.
We’re really not. The Premier League is really hard, as demonstrated by us and Arsenal struggling past Wolves, and us battling to win today. They’re all wins, but there are very few “easy” games and it means if you’re slightly off it you can go on a run of poor results. We’re in a good spot, but we’re still going to have to do really well in the second part of the season to be in the top 5.
We agree that the PL is hard, there are no easy games and we’ll have to play well for the rest of the season. I don’t think I was saying anything to the contrary.
However, if we were to beat United next weekend, and Chelsea and Liverpool get a result of some sort versus, respectively, Newcastle and Spurs, then the points gap with a couple of games short of half the season gone would be (at least and respectively) 8, 13 and 13 with 21 games to go.
Now, knowing what you know about each of those teams, and what you know about our consistency under Unai (not just this season, but the past 120 or so PL games), how likely do you think it is that they could make up that points gap over that period? That’s for the “gut feeling” assessment.
Then there’s the statistical analysis. I haven’t looked this up, but it would be interesting to know when was the last time any of those clubs had a swing of that magnitude against us over a half-season period. (At a guess, none since Unai arrived.)
Granted, the two games (after United) that take us to half way could hardly be more challenging (Chelsea, Arsenal away), and that could change the complexion of things a bit.
So maybe your trigger point might be, depending on results, next match day, or in 2 or 3 match days, or in 15 or 20 match days if things go against us in the short term.
But looked at from that angle, I don’t think it’s fanciful to say that we are pretty close.
Post by: Smirker on December 14, 2025, 10:41:19 PM
Yeah, all we have to do is not win any of our next three very difficult games and that gap is potentially gone. Let's not celebrate too hard too early.
Not gonna happen though. We won't fail to win all three of those.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on December 14, 2025, 10:51:29 PM
Yeah, all we have to do is not win any of our next three very difficult games and that gap is potentially gone. Let's not celebrate too hard too early.
Not gonna happen though. We won't fail to win all three of those.
Draw, draw, loss, is perfectly plausible.
Post by: Mellin on December 14, 2025, 10:54:54 PM
I know we're doing well, I think we'll recruit smartly from a position of strength in January and we'll qualify, as I (and you) said in about October two years ago.
But it isn't done.
Post by: Smirker on December 14, 2025, 10:58:06 PM
I'm not saying we won't, but you are talking as a matter of fact about something which can't be certain. Football's a complicated game. One injury or loss of form to a kay player and the entire balance of the team is potentially gone. It's why seasons ebb and flow.
I know we're doing well, I think we'll recruit smartly from a position of strength in January and we'll qualify, as I (and you) said in about October two years ago.
But it isn't done.
Can't shirk the Smirk 8)
It isn't literally done, no. As in mathematically.
But realistically as far as I'm concerned, it's pretty much done.
Post by: eye digress on December 14, 2025, 10:59:16 PM
But that’s no more likely to happen to us, I don’t believe, than any of our rivals for the 5th Chump’s League spot.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on December 15, 2025, 12:18:08 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G8NT10gWkAE_gq9?format=jpg)
Post by: Dave on December 15, 2025, 12:27:47 PM
Post by: Monty on December 15, 2025, 12:29:48 PM
It's not done yet, there's still a 13% chance we don't make the Top 5.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G8NT10gWkAE_gq9?format=jpg)
But what does Nate Silver say?
Post by: Baldy on December 15, 2025, 12:41:23 PM
https://www.uefa.com/nationalassociations/uefarankings/country/?year=2026
Post by: cdbearsfan on December 15, 2025, 01:08:37 PM
Edit: here it is:
https://bsky.app/profile/footrankings.bsky.social/post/3m7v6hiqvx32f
Post by: Baldy on December 15, 2025, 01:44:02 PM
That's the wrong list. You need the one year average rankings, ie divided by all the clubs.
Edit: here it is:
https://bsky.app/profile/footrankings.bsky.social/post/3m7v6hiqvx32f
Cheers, these lists confuse me.
With PSR, FFP et all you need to be a rocket scietist to follow football these days.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on December 15, 2025, 01:48:26 PM
Cheers, these lists confuse me.
With PSR, FFP et all you need to be a rocket scietist to follow football these days.
You need to be even smarter than that, you need to be an accountant.
Post by: Drummond on December 15, 2025, 02:50:40 PM
Cheers, these lists confuse me.
With PSR, FFP et all you need to be a rocket scietist to follow football these days.
You need to be even smarter than that, you need to be an accountant.
Yeah, but it's not exactly rocket science, is it?
Post by: algy on December 15, 2025, 05:13:45 PM
My dad had to go in to the QE a few weeks ago cos he'd had a brain haemorrhage. Come out of it fine, thankfully. Anyway, whilst he was waiting for the surgery we were talking about it and he was saying that it was a fairly routine operation and they were going to drain some blood from inside his skill, so I'd said "well that's alright then ... if it's routine then it's hardly going to be brain surgery is it?". Took him a second to register, which was a bit .. well, it wasn't great. Thankfully after the operation I made a similarly stupid joke ("I bet that's a weight off your mind") and he was back to normal speed responding, so happy days there.Cheers, these lists confuse me.
With PSR, FFP et all you need to be a rocket scietist to follow football these days.
You need to be even smarter than that, you need to be an accountant.
Yeah, but it's not exactly rocket science, is it?
--
Anyways, I did some spreadsheet analysis on Sunday night and came up with ...
Based on the past 10 seasons, you need at least 81pts to win the league and on average 92pts. 4th place is 70pts on average (66pts minimum) and 5th place is 67pts average (62pts minimum).
Looks like so far we're well ahead of what we'd need to be doing to get a top 4 places (averaging 2.06pts/game so in theory look to end the season on around 78pts currently). It also puts Arsenal as currently on course to finish on 86pts, so a bit lower than average but not the absolute minimum.
There's more than half a season left, so it's all a bit meaningless really at this stage. But I do think based on all of that, there may well be a relatively small gap separating 1st from 5th/6th come the end of the season. Depends how things go, I suppose.
Post by: paul_e on December 15, 2025, 05:53:57 PM
Post by: eye digress on December 23, 2025, 12:23:38 AM
So maybe your trigger point might be, depending on results, next match day, or in 2 or 3 match days, or in 15 or 20 match days if things go against us in the short term.A game further on, and the gap with our (assumed) rivals for 5th now stands at 10, 13 and 14 points (Yernited, Jaudis, Spudz).
Does that tip any other punters into the “nailed on for CL” camp?
Not quite for me personally, but I do think it could be a matter of a few games away.
Post by: AV82EC on December 23, 2025, 08:35:54 AM
Brentford H
Bournemouth A
Brighton H
Leeds H
Wolves A
Win 4 of those and depending on what’s happened in Dec/Jan and it’s probably pretty nailed on.
Post by: Dave on December 23, 2025, 08:46:23 AM
A game further on, and the gap with our (assumed) rivals for 5th now stands at 10, 13 and 14 points (Yernited, Jaudis, Spudz).
Does that tip any other punters into the “nailed on for CL” camp?
Not quite for me personally, but I do think it could be a matter of a few games away
The likes of Palace / Brighton / Sunderland don't have wide enough squads to keep the pace and it feels probable that Liverpool / Chelsea (and us) are the most likely to finish somewhere in the third - fifth positions.
So I think "a few games" is correct, but they're at the end of January and in March. If the only plausible (albeit, in no way likely) teams who could conceivably go on an us-style winning run to stop the current top five being the same in May are Man Utd / Newcastle / Spurs as you say, then the away games at the first two are probably the clincher.
Given we typically fall apart at both, the potential six-point swings that those two matches give are probably the thing that could make it nailed on.
Post by: eye digress on December 23, 2025, 09:33:31 AM
On the other hand, United are, I think, slightly better than we generally appreciate (as befits their transfer spend, albeit mostly on players from poorer teams). Newcastle have a pretty deep and genuinely powerful squad, and I think they will have a good spell at some point.
Post by: LeeB on December 23, 2025, 09:41:25 AM
If we keep our heads and do some good work in Jan it should be a cakewalk to the Champions League spots.
Post by: Dave on December 23, 2025, 09:55:09 AM
The Jawdies have a bit of imbalance in their squad I think, they have lots of similar players but lack a bit of guile and finesse.
Think their two successful recent seasons were also built on a surprisingly solid defence, obviously with a strong midfield in front of them - but they've now not kept a clean sheet in ten matches, and it's not been the hardest run of fixtures they could have had in that time.
Post by: LeeB on December 23, 2025, 09:58:25 AM
The Jawdies have a bit of imbalance in their squad I think, they have lots of similar players but lack a bit of guile and finesse.
Think their two successful recent seasons were also built on a surprisingly solid defence, obviously with a strong midfield in front of them - but they've now not kept a clean sheet in ten matches, and it's not been the hardest run of fixtures they could have had in that time.
Their defenders all seem to be the same profile, a bit like their midfield. Feels like if they can't over power teams there's little else.
Post by: eye digress on December 23, 2025, 11:08:40 AM
We are a year behind them in our development/Big 6 tilt. But in each comparable year, we’ve outperformed them - with the exception of the trophy in hand (e.g., our maiden CL campaign was better, as was our league performance in that year; our response to no CL qualification has been stronger, etc.). Now it is beginning to look the other way around, that they have fallen a year behind us, including the leaky defence of 12 months ago.The Jawdies have a bit of imbalance in their squad I think, they have lots of similar players but lack a bit of guile and finesse.
Think their two successful recent seasons were also built on a surprisingly solid defence, obviously with a strong midfield in front of them - but they've now not kept a clean sheet in ten matches, and it's not been the hardest run of fixtures they could have had in that time.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on December 29, 2025, 09:27:03 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on December 29, 2025, 09:37:15 AM
Post by: rob_bridge on December 29, 2025, 09:43:10 AM
Post by: AV82EC on December 29, 2025, 09:52:54 AM
February is slightly easier but vital we avoid the Europa play offs.
Post by: Mellin on December 29, 2025, 11:17:36 AM
Can't see us in the Europa League playoffs. Do think this would be a good year for binning the FA Cup. Absolutely no point in over stretching and we're way more likely to win the Europa.
Post by: lovejoy on December 29, 2025, 11:20:17 AM
Post by: Dave on December 29, 2025, 11:22:14 AM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on December 29, 2025, 11:23:23 AM
Post by: dave.woodhall on December 29, 2025, 11:29:09 AM
Post by: tony scott on December 29, 2025, 11:42:33 AM
Post by: Smithy on December 30, 2025, 11:51:26 AM
We don't even need to keep winning every game. They've got to make up 10 points on us over 19 games. That's a lot. That's almost 20 points over a full season - it's a significant amount. Title-winning Liverpool finished 18 points ahead of us last season, for example, so Chelsea would need to replicate Liverpool's title-winning form, while we replicate our 6th place form, for them to get level with us over the rest of the season. That's pretty unlikely (though not impossible)
That's not to say a short run of winless games won't make us all twitchy, but I'm confident that with a 10-point buffer, and a couple of little reinforcements in January, we will do enough to finish in the top 5.
Post by: Sdwbvf on December 30, 2025, 11:55:43 AM
10 of the second half of the season are at home too. You'd think 10 more wins from now would be enough and with our home record you'd fancy us to get 7 or 8 of those at home. Then we've got away games at Wolves, Burnley, Forest and Bournemouth currently near the bottom.
And that would be 75 points.
Post by: Dave on December 30, 2025, 12:01:11 PM
With 5th place likely to secure Champions League football again this season, we're going to have to have a pretty significant drop off in form for two of the three clubs chasing to go past us. I can see one of them having a very good run at some point - but two of them?
We don't even need to keep winning every game. They've got to make up 10 points on us over 19 games. That's a lot. That's almost 20 points over a full season - it's a significant amount. Title-winning Liverpool finished 18 points ahead of us last season, for example, so Chelsea would need to replicate Liverpool's title-winning form, while we replicate our 6th place form, for them to get level with us over the rest of the season. That's pretty unlikely (though not impossible)
That's not to say a short run of winless games won't make us all twitchy, but I'm confident that with a 10-point buffer, and a couple of little reinforcements in January, we will do enough to finish in the top 5.
I imagine we probably have one of the kinder sets of fixtures over the next three months as well. After today, there is probably no more than one or two matches that we won't go into as favourite to win until the penultimate match of the season. Away to Newcastle a few days after Fenerbahce, and Chelsea / Man Utd consecutively at the start of March is really all there is to worry about on paper.
Brentford / Bournemouth / Brighton / Leeds / Wolves in February and West Ham / Forest / Sunderland / Fulham in March and April look like pretty calming runs.
Having Spurs* / Liverpool / Man City in three of the last four games might be a bastard if we're still in touching distance at that point, but not having them in February / March to derail a climb to fourth is pretty useful.
*I know, I know.
Post by: paul_e on December 30, 2025, 12:59:35 PM
With 5th place likely to secure Champions League football again this season, we're going to have to have a pretty significant drop off in form for two of the three clubs chasing to go past us. I can see one of them having a very good run at some point - but two of them?
We don't even need to keep winning every game. They've got to make up 10 points on us over 19 games. That's a lot. That's almost 20 points over a full season - it's a significant amount. Title-winning Liverpool finished 18 points ahead of us last season, for example, so Chelsea would need to replicate Liverpool's title-winning form, while we replicate our 6th place form, for them to get level with us over the rest of the season. That's pretty unlikely (though not impossible)
That's not to say a short run of winless games won't make us all twitchy, but I'm confident that with a 10-point buffer, and a couple of little reinforcements in January, we will do enough to finish in the top 5.
It isn't 2 clubs that would need to pass us, it's all 3 to push us down to 6th.
Post by: Smithy on December 30, 2025, 01:15:53 PM
With 5th place likely to secure Champions League football again this season, we're going to have to have a pretty significant drop off in form for two of the three clubs chasing to go past us. I can see one of them having a very good run at some point - but two of them?
We don't even need to keep winning every game. They've got to make up 10 points on us over 19 games. That's a lot. That's almost 20 points over a full season - it's a significant amount. Title-winning Liverpool finished 18 points ahead of us last season, for example, so Chelsea would need to replicate Liverpool's title-winning form, while we replicate our 6th place form, for them to get level with us over the rest of the season. That's pretty unlikely (though not impossible)
That's not to say a short run of winless games won't make us all twitchy, but I'm confident that with a 10-point buffer, and a couple of little reinforcements in January, we will do enough to finish in the top 5.
It isn't 2 clubs that would need to pass us, it's all 3 to push us down to 6th.
You're absolutely right, but until 5th place is mathematically assured a CL place, I'm still erring on the 'worst case scenario' that two of those sides overtaking us could bump us out of the CL places! The reality, as you point out, is that us being bumped by all three is even less likely
Post by: eye digress on December 30, 2025, 02:31:31 PM
If those gaps are maintained after this round of games, then I think I'll be in the 'nailed on' camp.
Post by: algy on December 30, 2025, 06:47:14 PM
Bin the FA Cup?clear round 3 and who knows, when we least expect it, it happens.Fuck the FA Cup, it’s been devalued to the point where there’s no financial or European qualification reason to prioritise it, but it’s doll really hard to win (arguably more difficult than the Conference League or maybe even the Europa League). It just doesn’t make sense to put any thought in to it over giving a few squad players more minutes.
Post by: Smithy on December 31, 2025, 08:50:14 AM
Bin the FA Cup?clear round 3 and who knows, when we least expect it, it happens.Fuck the FA Cup, it’s been devalued to the point where there’s no financial or European qualification reason to prioritise it, but it’s doll really hard to win (arguably more difficult than the Conference League or maybe even the Europa League). It just doesn’t make sense to put any thought in to it over giving a few squad players more minutes.
Maybe it's an age thing, but the FA Cup will always hold a special place for me. It's the premier domestic cup competition, and sure, it's been devalued financially by the rise of the competitions that go on around it, but it's a major trophy that players and fans will look back on for years if we were to win it.
Post by: Flamingo Lane on December 31, 2025, 09:00:45 AM
Post by: andyh on December 31, 2025, 09:56:26 AM
Arsenal
Chelsea
Man Utd
Liverpool
West Ham
Forest
Burnley
Palace
Brentford
Sunderland
All play 2 home fixtures across the Christmas period.
Seems a little unfair ?
Post by: Percy McCarthy on December 31, 2025, 09:56:59 AM
I'm actually beginning to hope that only the top 4 in the PL will secure a CL place, as I do not think that Man Utd or Chelsea have it in them to go on a serious run of wins.
The chance of that (only top 4 qualify) happening is somewhere between slim and none.
99% chance of England getting five spots according to Football Rankings.
Post by: Richard on December 31, 2025, 10:14:40 AM
Post by: Flamingo Lane on December 31, 2025, 10:17:14 AM
Have I got this right ?
Arsenal
Chelsea
Man Utd
Liverpool
West Ham
Forest
Burnley
Palace
Brentford
Sunderland
All play 2 home fixtures across the Christmas period.
Seems a little unfair ?
Yes. And, remarkably, no fixture between any 2 of the Sky6. Just like the last game of the season.
Post by: Flamingo Lane on December 31, 2025, 10:22:48 AM
Post by: Richard on December 31, 2025, 10:30:46 AM
And whilst Villa get to play away at Chelsea and Arsenal, and Wolves away at Liverpool and Man Utd, no London team has a fixture outside of London.
That's quite incredible and unfair.
Post by: Villan82 on December 31, 2025, 10:32:05 AM
On CL qualification, we need 9 wins in my opinion.
Post by: Ads on December 31, 2025, 11:11:53 AM
Post by: Drummond on December 31, 2025, 05:38:04 PM
Wolves closing the gap on us concerns me.
Who exactly is minding it?
Post by: aj2k77 on December 31, 2025, 05:43:19 PM
Wolves closing the gap on us concerns me.
Who exactly is minding it?
Someone with a telescope because it's fucking huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuge.
Post by: Baldy on January 01, 2026, 09:57:21 AM
It should help us that Man City and Chelsea have still got to play each other twice.
Post by: Lsvilla on January 01, 2026, 10:02:30 AM
Post by: Stu on January 01, 2026, 10:21:05 AM
If you look to the end of the season Arsenal don't leave London after 18th April - last 5 games.
My old dad used to complain that they once won the cup not having to play a game outside of London lmao. No idea if that’s actually true.
Post by: eamonn on January 01, 2026, 11:59:38 AM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on January 01, 2026, 12:10:16 PM
Quote
How is the Premier League doing in the race for five Champions League places?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cgk8yz68ynlo
Post by: Brazilian Villain on January 01, 2026, 12:47:39 PM
If you look to the end of the season Arsenal don't leave London after 18th April - last 5 games.
We need SHA, Albion, Walsall, and Coventry to be promoted to the Premier League to ease our travel issues at the end of a season.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on January 01, 2026, 12:54:40 PM
QuoteHow is the Premier League doing in the race for five Champions League places?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cgk8yz68ynlo
Football Rankings reckon England has a 99% chance of being allocated a fifth CL spot.
Post by: Stu on January 01, 2026, 01:54:34 PM
Not their fault there's so many London clubs. You could spin it another way and say they have lots of derby games - isn't that a strong boast we give over our last title-winning season, the fact we had to play so many of our scrawny midland neighbours, desperate to get one over on us? Whereas this season, all we have is the Wulfs down the road whose claws were trimmed and mani'd in early autumn.
There was no logic to an intense dislike and belief they are the jammiest team the world over.
Post by: LeeB on January 01, 2026, 01:56:02 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on January 01, 2026, 01:56:18 PM
QuoteHow is the Premier League doing in the race for five Champions League places?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cgk8yz68ynlo
Football Rankings reckon England has a 99% chance of being allocated a fifth CL spot.
What % chance does it give Poland, current coefficient leaders?
Post by: aj2k77 on January 01, 2026, 01:59:59 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on January 01, 2026, 02:01:48 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on January 01, 2026, 06:48:49 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 01, 2026, 10:10:12 PM
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on January 01, 2026, 10:56:46 PM
If you look to the end of the season Arsenal don't leave London after 18th April - last 5 games.
My old dad used to complain that they once won the cup not having to play a game outside of London lmao. No idea if that’s actually true.
It's happened twice. 1950 and 2014.
Post by: Rigadon on January 02, 2026, 04:07:43 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on January 02, 2026, 07:13:37 PM
Post by: algy on January 02, 2026, 08:11:54 PM
I'm fucking fuming that random draws produce random outcomes.It’s TWICE - in 1950 something and again in 2000-something. It’s a consistent pattern - you can bet the house it’ll happen AGAIN in 2050-something. Hardly sounds like the outcome of a random draw to me!!!
Post by: cdbearsfan on January 02, 2026, 08:21:38 PM
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on January 02, 2026, 08:28:06 PM
It's clearly a deliberate plan carried out by different generations of corrupt officials to ensure that they give one of the better teams less travel during their cup run, once every sixty or so years.
That's how England won the World Cup..well that and not telling the opposition the venue had been changed until the last minute. Can we now expect England to win the 2026 World Cup? Every 60 years you said.
Post by: BoVillan esq on January 02, 2026, 08:36:26 PM
Post by: Smithy on January 03, 2026, 02:39:06 PM
Any doubts that the Arsenal result would throw us off and see our confidence dented will hopefully be put to bed after today. If we can actually go on and win away at bogey-team Palace, I'll not only think the Champions League is on, I'll start thinking the title is back on!
Post by: Somniloquism on January 03, 2026, 02:41:35 PM
But this week has to be our best chance of a result at Selhurst Park in many a go. I would start Malen and Watkins to put more pressure on the back three then we normally do.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on January 03, 2026, 02:43:53 PM
Post by: Chip Butty 111 on January 03, 2026, 04:19:45 PM
Post by: Villan82 on January 03, 2026, 04:23:25 PM
It is a huge ask but absolutely is possible.
Post by: Drummond on January 03, 2026, 05:48:20 PM
Post by: Legion on January 03, 2026, 09:21:56 PM
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on January 04, 2026, 07:23:43 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on January 04, 2026, 07:27:17 PM
Post by: Smirker on January 04, 2026, 07:30:41 PM
It's done.
Post by: eamonn on January 04, 2026, 07:36:24 PM
Post by: Yeltzbagger on January 04, 2026, 07:55:44 PM
1928-29, it's only happened 3 times.Yes, we're much more likely to finish 2nd. We've done that 10 times.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on January 04, 2026, 08:03:04 PM
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on January 04, 2026, 08:08:44 PM
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.
Eagles - check
Random foreign team you’ve never heard of before or since - check
Villa still Villa-ing stuff up - check
You just know.
Correct.
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on January 04, 2026, 08:17:40 PM
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on January 04, 2026, 08:35:52 PM
We've only finished 3rd in the top flight twice. 1894/95 and 1928/29.
1894/95...we finished 3rd, Small Heath avoided the drop by 1 point, Baggies avoided on goal average. Highest scoring game of the season Blackburn 9 Small Heath 1. Lowest attendance Small Heath v PNE.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1894%E2%80%9395_Football_League
Post by: eye digress on January 04, 2026, 08:44:02 PM
Couple of games further on, the gaps to Yernited, Jaudis, Spudz are now 11, 13 and 15 - i.e., only the Jaudis have prevented the gap from increasing.So maybe your trigger point might be, depending on results, next match day, or in 2 or 3 match days, or in 15 or 20 match days if things go against us in the short term.A game further on, and the gap with our (assumed) rivals for 5th now stands at 10, 13 and 14 points (Yernited, Jaudis, Spudz).
Does that tip any other punters into the “nailed on for CL” camp?
Not quite for me personally, but I do think it could be a matter of a few games away.
Our January fixtures should be favourable, but I don’t think we need to wait for that to say that we’re nailed on for a return to the CL.
Post by: Skipper_The_Eyechild on January 04, 2026, 08:55:21 PM
Post by: Mellin on January 04, 2026, 09:11:07 PM
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on January 04, 2026, 09:41:50 PM
Post by: teamvillage on January 04, 2026, 09:58:18 PM
Post by: Chip Butty 111 on January 04, 2026, 10:03:33 PM
How fucking good is it to be looking down on Liverpool, United and Chelsea, with 18 games left, and thinking they haven't got it in them btw? Been a long time coming....whilst we have our hands tied behind our back financially....remarkable
Post by: DB on January 04, 2026, 10:39:45 PM
40 points from 18 is basically title-winning form if sustained over a season. If, miraculously, BOTH Chelsea and ManU do that, we need 10 wins.
…and with our home record, only Liverpool and possibly Chelsea are best placed to take points off us. So, only a few away wins needed. If only it were that simple.
Post by: Skipper_The_Eyechild on January 05, 2026, 12:16:25 AM
Post by: eamonn on January 05, 2026, 12:40:47 AM
Post by: PhilVill on January 05, 2026, 06:06:43 AM
Post by: Drummond on January 05, 2026, 07:39:17 AM
Post by: Chap on January 05, 2026, 08:13:49 AM
Why should we only aim for 3rd?Free hit mentality kicking in again🤔
Post by: Demitri_C on January 05, 2026, 08:32:56 AM
How fucking good is it to be looking down on Liverpool, United and Chelsea, with 18 games left, and thinking they haven't got it in them btw? Been a long time coming.
Its very fucking good. It would take a spectacular collapse to blow it now. Its likely there will be 5 teams in CL are we really at worst likely to finish 6th?
We have a wonderful opportunity for 3rd or even 2nd. Catching arsenal will be too much of a stretch and we dont a
have the squad. But man im absolutely thrilled how things are going
Post by: rob_bridge on January 05, 2026, 08:39:06 AM
70 would be guaranteed.
67 enough if 5th.
Good that other than Arsenal the others have to go hard on next 2 games in ECL to get top 8.
Post by: Smithy on January 05, 2026, 09:07:17 AM
Looking better with each passing week.
70 would be guaranteed.
67 enough if 5th.
Good that other than Arsenal the others have to go hard on next 2 games in ECL to get top 8.
The year Leicester won the league, they could have won it with 72 points (they got 81 in the end). I think 80 points is not entirely beyond us, and then who knows...?
Post by: Dave on January 05, 2026, 09:22:01 AM
Looking better with each passing week.
70 would be guaranteed.
67 enough if 5th.
Good that other than Arsenal the others have to go hard on next 2 games in ECL to get top 8.
The year Leicester won the league, they could have won it with 72 points (they got 81 in the end). I think 80 points is not entirely beyond us, and then who knows...?
That did require the team in second to lose seven matches and draw eleven across the season though - a similar scenario would mean Arsenal would only win another five matches between now and May.
Post by: algy on January 05, 2026, 09:25:32 AM
Agreed - there's fewer points between us and Arsenal (6pts) than us and Liverpool (8pts), who are in 4th. Had it not been for the summer disruption there's every chance we'd be top - although I think being slightly off it at the moment could turn out to be a blessing in disguise.Looking better with each passing week.
70 would be guaranteed.
67 enough if 5th.
Good that other than Arsenal the others have to go hard on next 2 games in ECL to get top 8.
The year Leicester won the league, they could have won it with 72 points (they got 81 in the end). I think 80 points is not entirely beyond us, and then who knows...?
We're far enough ahead of Manchester United and Chelsea now that it'd take a monumental drop off (or them going in to stellar form) for us to finish outside of the top 4. Not to say that can't happen, of course, but our position seems to get stronger with every passing week.
Qualifying comfortably for the Champions League would be a huge achievement, and I'll be chuffed if that's what we end up doing this season. It'd go far beyond what I'd have expected before the start of the season.
But I'd hope that as a club we'd see 2nd as eminently achievable, and 1st as within reach. The pressure will build over the 2nd half of the season, but we've not got the expectation of success that Arsenal and Man City have. That might end up working in our favour. Keep pace with them, and we'll find out if it is.
Post by: eye digress on January 05, 2026, 09:28:28 AM
Our rivals are falling apart.
Post by: Rigadon on January 05, 2026, 09:48:18 AM
Post by: TelfordVilla on January 05, 2026, 10:12:10 AM
Post by: LeeB on January 05, 2026, 10:13:37 AM
Looking better with each passing week.
70 would be guaranteed.
67 enough if 5th.
Good that other than Arsenal the others have to go hard on next 2 games in ECL to get top 8.
The year Leicester won the league, they could have won it with 72 points (they got 81 in the end). I think 80 points is not entirely beyond us, and then who knows...?
That did require the team in second to lose seven matches and draw eleven across the season though - a similar scenario would mean Arsenal would only win another five matches between now and May.
The funniest thing about that season was Tottenham coming 3rd in a two horse race.
Post by: Dave on January 05, 2026, 10:18:07 AM
Can someone please confirm what happens if we win the Europa and finish on the top 5? Does the spawny 6th place club get Champions League?
Nope, goes elsewhere in Europe. Needs the winner to not qualify via the league for there to be a sixth.
Last time I saw reference to it, it would have gone to the third-placed team in Portugal.
Post by: cdbearsfan on January 05, 2026, 10:28:04 AM
Edit: mentioned below.
https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/40224810/lookman-scores-again-europa-league-champion-atalanta-beats-torino-3-0-roma-qualify-cl
Post by: Dave on January 05, 2026, 10:37:39 AM
I think 6th qualifies for Champions League if England gets extra place but only if Europa League winner finishes exactly fifth. This was widely reported when Atalanta were in Europa Final a couple of years ago. They eventually finished fourth so it didn't happen.
Edit: mentioned below.
https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/40224810/lookman-scores-again-europa-league-champion-atalanta-beats-torino-3-0-roma-qualify-cl
With the Atalanta example, UEFA themselves said this:
Quote
What if the winners also qualify via their domestic league?
Under the 2024-27 club competition format, if the Europa League winners were to qualify directly for the league phase of the Champions League via their domestic league, then the club with the best individual coefficient of all the teams in Champions League qualifying (champions path and league path) goes directly through to the league phase.
However, no leapfrogging is permitted here, meaning a team from the league path could only move up to the league phase provided that this club is the highest ranked domestically of those from its association that have not already qualified for the league phase of the competition directly. If this is not the case, the automatic league phase place would go to the club with the next best coefficient.
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0275-152ea803235f-f90ebb18192d-1000--do-uefa-europa-league-winners-atalanta-automatically-quali/
Post by: cdbearsfan on January 05, 2026, 10:39:41 AM
Post by: algy on January 05, 2026, 11:06:03 AM
There is an exception if the club finishes in the "extra" place as the two extra places cannot be passed onto another league.Yep - essentially the priority that places are assigned is:
1. CL Places awarded via UEFA multi-season coefficient (for England, top 4) - transferrable (but not really because they're awarded first)
2. Champions League places awarded to previous Champions League and Europa League winners - non-transferrable
3. CL Places awarded via UEFA single-season coefficient (which makes up the 5th spot) - transferrable
4. Europa League places awarded for multi-season coefficient (for England, 5th place in league + FA Cup winner) - transferrable
5. Europa League places awarded for previous Conference League winners - non-transferrable
6. Conference League places awarded for multi-season coefficient (for england, League Cup winner) - transferrable
Essentially places awarded via coefficients can be given to other clubs, places awarded via winning European competitions cannot.
What this means in short is that ...
- The Top 4 always qualify for the Champions League.
- The Champions League & Europa League winners *always* qualify for the Champions League, but their places can't be transferred so if they finish in the top 4, they're lost. As of such, from a maximising places perspective the best outcome is they finish 5th & 6th. It doesn't matter in which order.
- The 'extra' place then gets awarded. As 5th & 6th have already qualified, it drops down to 7th place.
- The Europa League places then get awarded, but are transferrable. So ideally the FA Cup winner finishes in the top 7, which gives 2 places to the league. 8th & 9th qualify for the Europa League
- Then, if the Conference League winner finishes exactly 10th (so doesn't qualify via the league or the FA Cup), they also go in to the Europa League
- Finally, the last Conference League place is transferrable, so as long as the League Cup winners finish in the top half of the table, the Conference League place goes to the team that finishes 11th.
1st-7th are in the Champions League, 8th, 9th, & 10th in the Europa League, and 11th in the Conference League.
Post by: cdbearsfan on January 05, 2026, 11:09:47 AM
Post by: tomd2103 on January 05, 2026, 12:27:31 PM
Hard to see how Amorim remains at the helm of ManYoo, given yesterday's apparent threat to work to rule (https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jan/04/ruben-amorim-manchester-united-leeds-premier-league).
Our rivals are falling apart.
It would seem that way. Golden opportunity to secure Champions League football again.
Post by: TelfordVilla on January 06, 2026, 03:12:50 PM
Excellent news. Thanks for clarifyingCan someone please confirm what happens if we win the Europa and finish on the top 5? Does the spawny 6th place club get Champions League?
Nope, goes elsewhere in Europe. Needs the winner to not qualify via the league for there to be a sixth.
Last time I saw reference to it, it would have gone to the third-placed team in Portugal.
Post by: dorsetvillian on January 07, 2026, 11:38:51 PM
Post by: Olof's Beard on January 07, 2026, 11:44:07 PM
Post by: Skipper_The_Eyechild on January 08, 2026, 12:39:58 AM
Post by: eamonn on January 08, 2026, 12:52:49 AM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on January 08, 2026, 12:54:27 AM
Would be great to win at Newcastle. We owe them a beating up there.
Plus a 14 point gap between us and them would be nice.
Post by: aldridgeboy on January 08, 2026, 01:41:49 AM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on January 08, 2026, 07:48:54 PM
Post by: Mellin on January 08, 2026, 10:01:13 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on January 08, 2026, 10:09:00 PM
Post by: Mellin on January 08, 2026, 10:24:47 PM
Post by: spk on January 08, 2026, 10:34:11 PM
Post by: colin69 on January 09, 2026, 10:28:19 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on January 09, 2026, 10:33:22 AM
I’d be disappointed now if we didn’t get CL. We are in a strong position.
Yeah the expectation is there now. Makes me nervous!
Post by: eamonn on January 09, 2026, 02:00:10 PM
I just noticed our goal difference is now better than everyone below us other than Chelsea.
So it should be, we're third. It's streets behind the top two, unfortunately.
Post by: LeeS on January 09, 2026, 02:15:26 PM
I just noticed our goal difference is now better than everyone below us other than Chelsea.
So it should be, we're third. It's streets behind the top two, unfortunately.
And if someone caught us up then our relative GD positions would alter in their favour. Ours is not good enough at all to count as an extra half point.
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 18, 2026, 07:25:01 PM
Post by: PhilVill on January 19, 2026, 06:00:56 AM
We need a very good 10-12 days in the transfer market, and we have to stop bringing in disaster signings.
Post by: Smithy on January 20, 2026, 11:33:29 AM
8 points clear of 5th, and 9 points clear of 6th. I'd happily take 4th place now.
Post by: aj2k77 on January 20, 2026, 11:35:34 AM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on January 20, 2026, 11:37:59 AM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on January 20, 2026, 11:39:09 AM
Post by: Stinkin_Thinkin on January 20, 2026, 11:47:40 AM
Post by: Behind Bluenose Lines on January 20, 2026, 11:49:25 AM
Hopefully we have enough points to stay up.We're on 43, so we should do. ;)
Post by: Goldenballs on January 20, 2026, 12:41:17 PM
But if we don't get CL one way or another, the vultures will be circling in the summer to pick off our best players. Can't have another summer like the last one 😭
Post by: London Villan on January 20, 2026, 12:43:04 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on January 20, 2026, 01:01:27 PM
Post by: rooboy316 on January 21, 2026, 02:07:27 AM
I'd take 4th place if it were offered now.
I'd gladly have taken it at the start of the season.
Post by: Ozzjim on January 21, 2026, 06:44:40 AM
Post by: ldavfc4eva on January 21, 2026, 06:58:04 AM
I honestly think though if, and it’s a big if at the moment, Arsenal have a wobble and we finish close to them and city we will look back and say we could have won it.
To be where we are now in terms of proximity to the top, and with a decent gap between us and 6th, I just think it could have been this season as no one has ran away with the league- yet.
Arsenal may win it at a canter now, but this just feels as genuinely close as we have ever been in my lifetime.
Still 4th would be a massive achievement, if we can win the Europa that would be an amazing season too
Post by: ChicagoLion on January 21, 2026, 07:15:09 AM
Post by: Drummond on January 21, 2026, 09:20:55 AM
With how many key players that have not been at their best, top 5 this season would be incredible. With Kamara out for the season, only 1 striker, only 1 winger, Onana and Barkley constantly injured and left with only Lindelof and Konsa fit for 8 games, Emery would deserve a statue.
I'm just unsettled by the capitalisation of your username more than anything else.
Post by: Olneythelonely on January 21, 2026, 10:01:49 AM
Post by: TheToffnar on January 21, 2026, 10:09:15 AM
Ultimately, I just want us to bag a trophy. I would gladly see us tank in the league if it meant us winning Europa.
Post by: caster troy on January 21, 2026, 10:27:58 AM
Post by: TheToffnar on January 21, 2026, 10:45:23 AM
Post by: john e on January 21, 2026, 02:27:06 PM
Post by: Dave on January 21, 2026, 02:27:38 PM
Is 5th position a shoe in yet for CL place
Pretty much.
Post by: john e on January 21, 2026, 03:26:09 PM
Is 5th position a shoe in yet for CL place
Pretty much.
That’s good then
Hopefully we have enough points on the board to attain a top 5 finish
Post by: algy on January 21, 2026, 03:30:29 PM
We've got a decent cushion over the teams below us, which I have a feeling we might need over the next couple of months. Rotten luck really, I think we were/are better and with a deeper squad than many pundits credit us with, but the level of injuries (and that they all seem to be to midfielders) would cause severe problems for any team.
Anyway, CL qualification seems less of a certainty to me than it did at the start of this month. Beginning of January, I'd say 100% we're qualifying for the Champions League. Now? I think Liverpool, Chelsea, maybe Manchester United will start gaining ground on us. Hopefully we can get back to (close to) full strength before they catch us up. We, at near-full strength, are a bloody good team. With two thirds of our midfield out and Ollie & Big Emi carrying injuries, it looks more of a challenge.
Post by: eye digress on January 21, 2026, 08:38:39 PM
But if we were to fail to obtain 25 points in the remaining 16 games, I'm pretty sure that that would equate to our worst half-season under Unai (23/24), which seems unlikely, Kamara notwithstanding.
Post by: Ozzjim on January 21, 2026, 08:52:14 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 21, 2026, 08:55:04 PM
7 wins, 4 draws and 5 losses seems doable, as long as we have 3 central midfielders and 3-4 forward players all fit! 68 should see us make 5th.
I think that’s it - if we get a 2/3 good players and the squad broadly stays fit, then it’s doable. If the squad looks like it does today then we could fall away.
Post by: Demitri_C on January 21, 2026, 10:23:01 PM
Post by: PhilVill on January 22, 2026, 09:56:35 AM
Post by: AV82EC on January 22, 2026, 10:08:23 AM
We'll get there, either 4th/5th or we'll win the Europa League. The next two games will be tough (I never expect fa from Newcastle away) but they will not define the season...
This.
Post by: Mellin on January 22, 2026, 01:22:11 PM
Will get Champions League though. FA Cup needs to go in the bin too. Sorry. Squad can't handle it.
Post by: cdbearsfan on January 22, 2026, 01:33:55 PM
Post by: dave.woodhall on January 22, 2026, 01:39:35 PM
Post by: Dave on January 25, 2026, 04:15:28 PM
Would be lovely to get it sewn up nice and early, and it would then look like the battle between us / Chelsea / Newcastle for fourth and fifth last season will this year be between Chelsea, Liverpool and Man Utd.
Which will be fun.
Post by: eamonn on January 25, 2026, 04:17:36 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on January 25, 2026, 04:49:30 PM
Post by: Chip Butty 111 on January 25, 2026, 05:37:31 PM
Post by: eamonn on January 25, 2026, 05:38:28 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on January 25, 2026, 05:39:17 PM
Post by: Chris Harte on January 25, 2026, 08:19:44 PM
Today we are still nine points above 5th place and ten points above 6th place.
We are still in good shape, despite the decimation in midfield.
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on January 25, 2026, 08:24:49 PM
Top 5...1/14
Top 4...1/4
Top 2...5/1
Title....14/1
Post by: LeeB on January 25, 2026, 08:26:20 PM
Ideally we want this wrapped up asap so we can rest players and focus on europa. We need a trophy its the missing ingredient
Once we've wrapped up qualification Unai will turn to the title.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on January 25, 2026, 08:27:28 PM
Ideally we want this wrapped up asap so we can rest players and focus on europa. We need a trophy its the missing ingredient
Once we've wrapped up qualification Unai will turn to the title.
[/quote
AAAAAAAAAGGGHHHHHH
Post by: Sexual Ealing on January 25, 2026, 08:29:53 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on January 25, 2026, 09:24:14 PM
Ideally we want this wrapped up asap so we can rest players and focus on europa. We need a trophy its the missing ingredient
Once we've wrapped up qualification Unai will turn to the title.
Precisely Lee. One objective at a time. CL qualification first, then wrap up the FA Cup, beat Man City to win the league and then a night out in Turkey to take home the Europa. Piece of piss.
Post by: paul_e on January 25, 2026, 09:29:33 PM
Latest odds
Top 5...1/14
Top 4...1/4
Top 2...5/1
Title....14/1
Seems about right to me, not making thge top 5 from here would be a massive shock.
Post by: Dave on January 25, 2026, 09:34:50 PM
Ideally we want this wrapped up asap so we can rest players and focus on europa. We need a trophy its the missing ingredient
Once we've wrapped up qualification Unai will turn to the title.
Precisely Lee. One objective at a time. CL qualification first, then wrap up the FA Cup, beat Man City to win the league and then a night out in Turkey to take home the Europa. Piece of piss.
Night out in Turkey, then beat Man City I believe.
If we're not still challenging for the title by then and both Man City and Arsenal are, it raises the amusing scenario of Arsenal supporters crying at us rolling over in Manchester because the players are all hung over from their post-final celebrations.
(assuming our own European adventures carry on of course)
Post by: LeeS on January 25, 2026, 09:36:54 PM
Ideally we want this wrapped up asap so we can rest players and focus on europa. We need a trophy its the missing ingredient
Once we've wrapped up qualification Unai will turn to the title.
Precisely Lee. One objective at a time. CL qualification first, then wrap up the FA Cup, beat Man City to win the league and then a night out in Turkey to take home the Europa. Piece of piss.
Night out in Turkey, then beat Man City I believe.
If we're not still challenging for the title by then and both Man City and Arsenal are, it raises the amusing scenario of Arsenal supporters crying at us rolling over in Manchester because the players are all hung over from their post-final celebrations.
(assuming our own European adventures carry on of course)
Liverpool fans I know still talk about our capitulation there a few years back.
Post by: Toronto Villa on January 25, 2026, 09:49:14 PM
Ideally we want this wrapped up asap so we can rest players and focus on europa. We need a trophy its the missing ingredient
Once we've wrapped up qualification Unai will turn to the title.
Precisely Lee. One objective at a time. CL qualification first, then wrap up the FA Cup, beat Man City to win the league and then a night out in Turkey to take home the Europa. Piece of piss.
Night out in Turkey, then beat Man City I believe.
If we're not still challenging for the title by then and both Man City and Arsenal are, it raises the amusing scenario of Arsenal supporters crying at us rolling over in Manchester because the players are all hung over from their post-final celebrations.
(assuming our own European adventures carry on of course)
Aye. I read it quickly as the 26th. It’s the 20th. Man City 24th
Post by: cdbearsfan on January 25, 2026, 09:59:16 PM
Post by: eye digress on January 25, 2026, 10:05:54 PM
Think it's weird they always have the Conference League Final after the Europa.Isn’t even after the Chump’s League final?
Post by: cdbearsfan on January 25, 2026, 10:07:26 PM
Weekend Premier League week 37/FA Cup Final
Midweek Europa League Final
Weekend Premier League week 38
Midweek Conference League Final
Weekend Champions League Final
Post by: eye digress on January 25, 2026, 10:08:51 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on January 25, 2026, 10:10:51 PM
Not that they wouldn't lose anyway, the twats.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on January 25, 2026, 10:12:22 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on January 25, 2026, 10:13:01 PM
Post by: Dave on January 26, 2026, 03:55:11 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G_ltWnwXkAEG1s5?format=jpg)
Post by: Dave on January 28, 2026, 11:19:06 AM
Diego Carlos
Alex Moreno
Moussa Diaby
Jacob Ramsey
Clement Lenglet
Nicolo Zaniolo
Robin Olsen
Jhon Duran
for:
Victor Lindelof
Marco Bizot
Ross Barkley
Emi Buendia
Tyrone Mings
Tammy Abraham
Amadou Onana
Jadon Sancho
Ian Maatsen
Evan Guessand
Andres Garcia
Lamare Bogarde
(albeit with McGinn and Tielemans being more available for 23/24, but possibly countered by Rogers now being a more important player than he was then)
Feels a lot stronger, even with the midfield issue.
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on January 28, 2026, 11:34:51 AM
Post by: Dave on January 28, 2026, 11:37:42 AM
Post by: cdbearsfan on January 28, 2026, 11:56:52 AM
Post by: Dave on January 28, 2026, 11:59:39 AM
Duran's probably more conducive to pinging in a thunderbastard from 30 yards though.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on January 28, 2026, 12:11:20 PM
Yeah, you definitly could.
Duran's probably more conducive to pinging in a thunderbastard from 30 yards though.
The whole squad does that now
Post by: Brazilian Villain on January 28, 2026, 12:11:56 PM
Feels a lot stronger, even with the midfield issue.
Plus we only had a 3 point cushion to 5th (Spurs) and an 8 point cushion to 6th (West Ham, when they were "sh*t" under Moyes)
Post by: cdbearsfan on January 28, 2026, 12:37:46 PM
Yeah, you definitly could.
Duran's probably more conducive to pinging in a thunderbastard from 30 yards though.
The whole squad does that now
Not all of them. Martínez and Bizot need to up their game.
Post by: SaddVillan on January 28, 2026, 10:23:23 PM
Bugger xG
Post by: Mellin on January 28, 2026, 10:47:37 PM
Defenders defend inside the box now, as well as midfielders as that's where the highest xG is. A long shot is usually a last resort as nothing is on. What we do is INTENTIONALLY work the best shooting opportunity from outside the box, ergo increasing the xG, but it stays at 0.02, so fuck them and their shit data.
Post by: Smithy on January 29, 2026, 07:44:36 AM
xG is underscored for shots outside the box. Convinced of it. I think it was Rogers at West Ham which came in at 0.02. No one blocking, loads of ability, not actually that far out. It's going in more often than 1 in 50. What Villa are basically doing is exploiting that error/bullshit.
Defenders defend inside the box now, as well as midfielders as that's where the highest xG is. A long shot is usually a last resort as nothing is on. What we do is INTENTIONALLY work the best shooting opportunity from outside the box, ergo increasing the xG, but it stays at 0.02, so fuck them and their shit data.
I think this is precisely it. xG is based on real-world data, which means they've looked at shots from outside the box historically, and realise x% of them go in under certain circumstances - but long shots historically would be under much more pressure, and with more obstacles directly in front of them. I'm also convinced it hasn't been tweaked to adjust for the "Pep-ification" of football in recent years, where teams will try to almost walk it in, rather than waste possession on a low-probability shot. The fact that xG had the Newcastle cross that Barnes got a touch on as TWENTY times more likely to result in a goal than Rogers shot shows how out of whack it is.
All that said, I STILL think it's a good measure, generally speaking, of the quality of chances you're creating on aggregate (over a run of games, rather than an individual game). A low xG doesn't mean you won't score goals like we do, but a higher xG can mean you're missing good chances. If your defence is giving away high xG numbers each game, you've probably got a problem.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on January 30, 2026, 08:54:57 AM
Hope we win the league, but happy enough with fifth. Hopefully (again, if we’re out of contention for the title), we can afford to concentrate on winning the Europa League towards the end of the season.
Post by: LeeB on January 30, 2026, 08:59:44 AM
xG is underscored for shots outside the box. Convinced of it. I think it was Rogers at West Ham which came in at 0.02. No one blocking, loads of ability, not actually that far out. It's going in more often than 1 in 50. What Villa are basically doing is exploiting that error/bullshit.
Defenders defend inside the box now, as well as midfielders as that's where the highest xG is. A long shot is usually a last resort as nothing is on. What we do is INTENTIONALLY work the best shooting opportunity from outside the box, ergo increasing the xG, but it stays at 0.02, so fuck them and their shit data.
I think this is precisely it. xG is based on real-world data, which means they've looked at shots from outside the box historically, and realise x% of them go in under certain circumstances - but long shots historically would be under much more pressure, and with more obstacles directly in front of them. I'm also convinced it hasn't been tweaked to adjust for the "Pep-ification" of football in recent years, where teams will try to almost walk it in, rather than waste possession on a low-probability shot. The fact that xG had the Newcastle cross that Barnes got a touch on as TWENTY times more likely to result in a goal than Rogers shot shows how out of whack it is.
All that said, I STILL think it's a good measure, generally speaking, of the quality of chances you're creating on aggregate (over a run of games, rather than an individual game). A low xG doesn't mean you won't score goals like we do, but a higher xG can mean you're missing good chances. If your defence is giving away high xG numbers each game, you've probably got a problem.
The thing that irritates me is that we work extremely hard to create the openings for these long range shots with sublime passing and movement and it often gets overlooked, even when they edit the highlights they cut out the passage of play that led to it.
Post by: Somniloquism on January 30, 2026, 09:03:33 AM
Post by: algy on January 30, 2026, 09:13:53 AM
I suspect half the problem is that people are extrapolating opinions without thinking about what they’re extrapolating them on.xG is underscored for shots outside the box. Convinced of it. I think it was Rogers at West Ham which came in at 0.02. No one blocking, loads of ability, not actually that far out. It's going in more often than 1 in 50. What Villa are basically doing is exploiting that error/bullshit.
Defenders defend inside the box now, as well as midfielders as that's where the highest xG is. A long shot is usually a last resort as nothing is on. What we do is INTENTIONALLY work the best shooting opportunity from outside the box, ergo increasing the xG, but it stays at 0.02, so fuck them and their shit data.
I think this is precisely it. xG is based on real-world data, which means they've looked at shots from outside the box historically, and realise x% of them go in under certain circumstances - but long shots historically would be under much more pressure, and with more obstacles directly in front of them. I'm also convinced it hasn't been tweaked to adjust for the "Pep-ification" of football in recent years, where teams will try to almost walk it in, rather than waste possession on a low-probability shot. The fact that xG had the Newcastle cross that Barnes got a touch on as TWENTY times more likely to result in a goal than Rogers shot shows how out of whack it is.
All that said, I STILL think it's a good measure, generally speaking, of the quality of chances you're creating on aggregate (over a run of games, rather than an individual game). A low xG doesn't mean you won't score goals like we do, but a higher xG can mean you're missing good chances. If your defence is giving away high xG numbers each game, you've probably got a problem.
xG is just a statistic - in th example you give, historically in similar circumstances 2% of shots end in goals. That’s just a fact. And it’s probably reasonable to assume that a team who outperforms their xG for a few games is getting lucky, and a team that underperforms is unlucky. But if it’s happening over a longer period of time, the less likely it is to be luck and the more likely it is that there’s another explanation (which could be any number of things and you’d actually have to properly look at the team rather than taking pot shots based on generalities)
Post by: Dave on January 30, 2026, 09:40:03 AM
Football Rankings on X reckon fifth place in the PL is certain to be awarded a CL spot.
It has been for months.
The moment all the English clubs looked like they would get through the Champions League group phases and clubs from any of the four other countries (Italy / Germany / Spain / France) that could plausibly finish ahead of England looked like they wouldn't, it was nailed on.
So about three gameweeks in.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on January 30, 2026, 09:42:56 AM
Football Rankings on X reckon fifth place in the PL is certain to be awarded a CL spot.
It has been for months.
The moment all the English clubs looked like they would get through the Champions League group phases and clubs from any of the four other countries (Italy / Germany / Spain / France) that could plausibly finish ahead of England looked like they wouldn't, it was nailed on.
So about three gameweeks in.
I know and I’ve long been annoyed at podcasters and the like emphasising the importance of finishing in the top four. Just posting this because FR are saying it’s statistically certain now, 100%.
Post by: Smithy on January 30, 2026, 10:04:02 AM
Football Rankings on X reckon fifth place in the PL is certain to be awarded a CL spot.
It has been for months.
The moment all the English clubs looked like they would get through the Champions League group phases and clubs from any of the four other countries (Italy / Germany / Spain / France) that could plausibly finish ahead of England looked like they wouldn't, it was nailed on.
So about three gameweeks in.
I know and I’ve long been annoyed at podcasters and the like emphasising the importance of finishing in the top four. Just posting this because FR are saying it’s statistically certain now, 100%.
I don't mind it being talked about as the "top 4", as they're the only places guaranteed to get Champions League spots each season. I'd obviously take 5th and Champions League football, but I'd MUCH prefer 4th simply because it avoids all the "you only got in because the rest of the league is so good" arguments.
Feb is a MASSIVE month for us, as on paper, every league game is definitely winnable. We play:
8th at home
13th away
12th at home
16th at home
20th away
In the midst of an injury crisis, that's about as kind a set of fixtures as we could hope for.
Winning all five might be tough, but if we can get 10 points from that lot, I'll be surprised if we're not still 10-ish points clear of 6th going into March, which would mean one of the teams below us having to make up at LEAST a point a game on us to overtake us and push us out of the top 5. That would be some ask, given 2.2 points a game is title winning form.
Post by: brontebilly on January 30, 2026, 10:27:40 AM
Post by: lovejoy on January 30, 2026, 10:31:31 AM
xG is underscored for shots outside the box. Convinced of it. I think it was Rogers at West Ham which came in at 0.02. No one blocking, loads of ability, not actually that far out. It's going in more often than 1 in 50. What Villa are basically doing is exploiting that error/bullshit.
Defenders defend inside the box now, as well as midfielders as that's where the highest xG is. A long shot is usually a last resort as nothing is on. What we do is INTENTIONALLY work the best shooting opportunity from outside the box, ergo increasing the xG, but it stays at 0.02, so fuck them and their shit data.
i noticed Newcastles xG last week was much higher than ours. On the graph they showed a just of about 1.25 on around the 55th minute. I can only assume that cross that two players almost got a touch on counted wice (say 60% each) which is clearly nonsense as one opportunity cannot have an xG of more than 1 logically. it is a flawed system no doubt.
Post by: Somniloquism on January 30, 2026, 11:47:12 AM
xG is underscored for shots outside the box. Convinced of it. I think it was Rogers at West Ham which came in at 0.02. No one blocking, loads of ability, not actually that far out. It's going in more often than 1 in 50. What Villa are basically doing is exploiting that error/bullshit.
Defenders defend inside the box now, as well as midfielders as that's where the highest xG is. A long shot is usually a last resort as nothing is on. What we do is INTENTIONALLY work the best shooting opportunity from outside the box, ergo increasing the xG, but it stays at 0.02, so fuck them and their shit data.
i noticed Newcastles xG last week was much higher than ours. On the graph they showed a just of about 1.25 on around the 55th minute. I can only assume that cross that two players almost got a touch on counted wice (say 60% each) which is clearly nonsense as one opportunity cannot have an xG of more than 1 logically. it is a flawed system no doubt.
I don't see why they shouldn't be included as, because both players touched the ball they would also have been classed as two shots or missed chances for other stats that no-one seems to be disputing the validity of.
Post by: cdbearsfan on January 30, 2026, 12:13:09 PM
Football Rankings on X reckon fifth place in the PL is certain to be awarded a CL spot.
He's also on Bluesky if you don't want to support Elon Musk/Jimmy Savile.
https://bsky.app/profile/footrankings.bsky.social/post/3mdlsjtxs2m2l
Hopefully this means PWS can stop being a weirdo when English clubs are playing.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on January 30, 2026, 12:35:57 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on January 30, 2026, 01:00:29 PM
Football Rankings on X reckon fifth place in the PL is certain to be awarded a CL spot.
He's also on Bluesky if you don't want to support Elon Musk/Jimmy Savile.
https://bsky.app/profile/footrankings.bsky.social/post/3mdlsjtxs2m2l
Hopefully this means PWS can stop being a weirdo when English clubs are playing.
Thanks cd.
Post by: eye digress on January 30, 2026, 10:10:49 PM
Winning all five might be tough, but if we can get 10 points from that lot, I'll be surprised if we're not still 10-ish points clear of 6th going into March, which would mean one of the teams below us having to make up at LEAST a point a game on us to overtake us and push us out of the top 5. That would be some ask, given 2.2 points a game is title winning form.
It's been clear since late December that for us to be overhauled for 5th would require form far weaker than anything we've shown under Unai these past three years plus title winning form from at least three of ManU, Liverpool, Chelsea and the Jaudis.
In other words, it's barely conceivable that we wouldn't qualify for the Chump's league from here.
Post by: Garyth on January 31, 2026, 02:31:37 AM
I suspect half the problem is that people are extrapolating opinions without thinking about what they’re extrapolating them on.
xG is just a statistic - in th example you give, historically in similar circumstances 2% of shots end in goals. That’s just a fact. And it’s probably reasonable to assume that a team who outperforms their xG for a few games is getting lucky, and a team that underperforms is unlucky. But if it’s happening over a longer period of time, the less likely it is to be luck and the more likely it is that there’s another explanation (which could be any number of things and you’d actually have to properly look at the team rather than taking pot shots based on generalities)
100% Agree.
Additionally, we haven't (not that I know of) got an expectation yet that xG models will be updated as time and football trends change. From memory, in Cricket the data used to calculate rain delay targets and such is adjusted to better reflect how play has changed over years - more weight is given to recent matches to reflect more recent tactical trends.
I suspect that if teams like Villa keep out-scoring expected chances (and if Villa aren't just a single team/season anomaly), then xG models will (*should*) eventually adjust to better reflect that.
Post by: paul_e on January 31, 2026, 09:30:23 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on January 31, 2026, 10:20:17 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on January 31, 2026, 10:27:58 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 01, 2026, 04:10:51 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 01, 2026, 04:12:13 PM
Post by: saint13 on February 01, 2026, 04:18:54 PM
History tells us that 20 wins normally is enough get you into the CL. I think we will do that, but I think it will be very tight with our injuries and the resurgence of the chasing pack.
I think we will finish 5th.
Post by: Steve67 on February 01, 2026, 04:21:02 PM
Post by: PhilVill on February 01, 2026, 04:21:04 PM
Post by: curiousorange on February 01, 2026, 04:23:31 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 01, 2026, 04:30:37 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 01, 2026, 04:31:54 PM
Post by: ez on February 01, 2026, 04:32:08 PM
By winning the Europa League, yes.We simply must not bottle that.
Post by: caster troy on February 01, 2026, 04:32:59 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 01, 2026, 04:35:44 PM
By winning the Europa League, yes.We simply must not bottle that.
I don’t think it’s about “bottling”. But we’ll need to play much better than today to win it.
Post by: Rudy65 on February 01, 2026, 04:36:28 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 01, 2026, 04:36:44 PM
Post by: ez on February 01, 2026, 04:37:46 PM
Post by: wince on February 01, 2026, 04:52:58 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on February 01, 2026, 04:58:28 PM
Post by: Charlie8182 on February 01, 2026, 05:01:44 PM
Post by: Smirker on February 01, 2026, 05:02:16 PM
We were in the title race. We're not now.
Agree with the first bit.
We're hanging on by a very fine thread though in the title race. We cna still do it, but if the gap increases any more then I'll say its over.
We could win the next game and Arsenal lose and then it's back to four points and we're all waving our willies round like windmills.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on February 01, 2026, 05:03:57 PM
We were in the title race. We're not now.
Agree with the first bit.
We're hanging on by a very fine thread though in the title race. We cna still do it, but if the gap increases any more then I'll say its over.
We could win the next game and Arsenal lose and then it's back to four points and we're all waving our willies round like windmills.
You've stopped? So it's just me, windmilling and crying and I can't even justify it to my wife or neighbours by saying you're doing it too? Oh mate.
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 01, 2026, 05:04:09 PM
Would be happy winning the Europa league and ending 30 years without a trophy, I just want something tangible with Emery. Personally qualifying for the champs league which were very unlikely to win and being charged 90 odd quid a game doesn’t excite me that much
Well if we win that we qualify for the Champions League. We have a better chance in it if players see us as being regular contenders for qualification through the league.
Post by: Ads on February 01, 2026, 05:42:22 PM
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on February 01, 2026, 06:41:39 PM
Would be happy winning the Europa league and ending 30 years without a trophy, I just want something tangible with Emery. Personally qualifying for the champs league which were very unlikely to win and being charged 90 odd quid a game doesn’t excite me that much
We were never favourites in 1982.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 01, 2026, 06:44:30 PM
Can’t see us finishing top 5 now. Liverpool/Chelsea/United all look stronger and will have VAR protection. It’ll all come down to the Europa league.
Don't worry, we'll still finish top 5 (as long as Dave keeps his daughter away from Villa Park for the rest of the season).
Post by: dave.woodhall on February 01, 2026, 06:45:48 PM
Would be happy winning the Europa league and ending 30 years without a trophy, I just want something tangible with Emery. Personally qualifying for the champs league which were very unlikely to win and being charged 90 odd quid a game doesn’t excite me that much
The trouble is that you can win the FA or League Cups as many times as you like and you'll never improve your standing but as we saw last season, the Champions League is a gamechanger.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 01, 2026, 07:10:38 PM
Post by: SFvillan on February 01, 2026, 07:10:51 PM
Having looked at the next 4 games for each of the top 6, here is what I think the standings will be this time next month:
1 Arsenal 59 pts
2 Villa 58*
3 City 55
4/5/6 Utd/Chelsea/Pool 49
*Caveat - this prediction was made by a very optimistic/hopeful Villa Fan UTV!
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 01, 2026, 07:11:30 PM
Post by: SamTheMouse on February 01, 2026, 07:25:59 PM
We really love to make things hard for ourselves
It's not our fault we suffer ridiculous injuries every time we look like doing anything special.
Sheer bad luck is what's making it hard for us.
And I intend to continue railing ineffectually against the whips and scorns of chance until such time as we actually get some good fortune for a fucking change.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 01, 2026, 07:29:12 PM
We really love to make things hard for ourselves
It's not our fault we suffer ridiculous injuries every time we look like doing anything special.
Sheer bad luck is what's making it hard for us.
And I intend to continue railing ineffectually against the whips and scorns of chance until such time as we actually get some good fortune for a fucking change.
I know what your saying about injuries sam but realistically we have only three injuries (its just unfortunate its in the bloody same position) which is annoying. But as a while other clubs have more than we do. We have to manage it.
Still i think injuries aside no excuse to concede a goal against 10 men then failtp score in over a hour. The top sides usually detsroy teams with 10 men. Look how we fell part at OT with 10 men for example
Post by: aj2k77 on February 01, 2026, 07:29:39 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on February 01, 2026, 07:31:24 PM
McGinn, Tielemans, Onana, Kamara and Watkins isn't 3 injuries.Onana was on the bench and i think watkins only missing today
4 still not that many
Post by: aj2k77 on February 01, 2026, 07:33:25 PM
Half your team out is a lot.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 01, 2026, 07:35:09 PM
Onana wasn't fit enough to play. Emery has stated that. It's 5 first teamers out. Half the team. Genuine first teamers, not Tottenham Ben Davies injured style first teamer. Actual players that play every game for us when fit.I dont get why name him on the bench then if he isnt fit. Could have stuck young or jimoh on (stuff loaning him out) with ollies injury
Half your team out is a lot.
Post by: aj2k77 on February 01, 2026, 07:37:35 PM
Half the first team out is a killer for us and the club have tried getting cover in with players that either know the club or know it and the managers style so they can bed in quickly but it's a massive bummer that we've so many out at once particularly in 1 position.
Post by: Dave on February 01, 2026, 07:51:47 PM
Can’t see us finishing top 5 now. Liverpool/Chelsea/United all look stronger and will have VAR protection. It’ll all come down to the Europa league.
Don't worry, we'll still finish top 5 (as long as Dave keeps his daughter away from Villa Park for the rest of the season).
If people want to have a whip round for tickets and travel I'll start sending her to Man City.
Post by: eamonn on February 01, 2026, 08:11:56 PM
Long Time Reader First Time PosterEdited - I forgot I posted once before back in 2015 :)
Having looked at the next 4 games for each of the top 6, here is what I think the standings will be this time next month:
1 Arsenal 59 pts
2 Villa 58*
3 City 55
4/5/6 Utd/Chelsea/Pool 49
*Caveat - this prediction was made by a very optimistic/hopeful Villa Fan UTV!
Welcome (back). Offers hope that other Heroes of yore will one day return.
Post by: Monty on February 01, 2026, 08:28:46 PM
So it's not all doom, despite what I admit was a remarkably atrocious weekend.
Post by: Aldridge Villa on February 01, 2026, 08:56:00 PM
Onana wasn't fit enough to play. Emery has stated that. It's 5 first teamers out. Half the team. Genuine first teamers, not Tottenham Ben Davies injured style first teamer. Actual players that play every game for us when fit.Correct. Can’t help but feel the loss of SJM , Tielemans and Kamara ain’t going to be tempered by incoming Luiz , Bailey et al. Going to be a tough month. Champions League chances 50/50 especially with Man U having found some form.
Half your team out is a lot.
Post by: eamonn on February 01, 2026, 09:18:30 PM
Post by: Mellin on February 01, 2026, 10:39:04 PM
Have we ever started with those 4 at the same time - McGinn, Youri, Onana, Kamara?
Did McGinn start when Tielemans played at 10? I'm guessing so.
Either way, this is a proper injury crisis and it's not going away. Kamara is so fucking important and whenever he's injured our PPG drops. So we're scrapping now to get over the line. I fear the teams below us have hit form just as we are starting to wobble.
Saw Football Rankings had us at 99% before this weekend. Absolutely mental. Bet it isn't that now. Still think we'll do it, but another weekend like this any time soon and I'll probably flip on that.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 02, 2026, 02:27:53 PM
(https://scontent.fbhx4-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/625186448_1501396218018356_2878082165715118816_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s640x640_tt6&_nc_cat=1&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=uqKtLGPcdPsQ7kNvwHoLwHC&_nc_oc=AdnaVjc3ir_500NESuxut3Nn4GlBNwR6b_ssnhksbk7FDTDVCnNfrrEXY5iwv9VC7FE&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fbhx4-2.fna&_nc_gid=h8pz5HWgflPABiMAcaF6CA&oh=00_AfuanpIqn4Xg_k3WA6KSsmXYYLHpSQfzHfnBOhzz-tr7ow&oe=69868F42)
Post by: Monty on February 02, 2026, 02:30:02 PM
Chance to rattle in points and goals this month with the next four league games.
(https://scontent.fbhx4-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/625186448_1501396218018356_2878082165715118816_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s640x640_tt6&_nc_cat=1&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=uqKtLGPcdPsQ7kNvwHoLwHC&_nc_oc=AdnaVjc3ir_500NESuxut3Nn4GlBNwR6b_ssnhksbk7FDTDVCnNfrrEXY5iwv9VC7FE&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fbhx4-2.fna&_nc_gid=h8pz5HWgflPABiMAcaF6CA&oh=00_AfuanpIqn4Xg_k3WA6KSsmXYYLHpSQfzHfnBOhzz-tr7ow&oe=69868F42)
It's a huge month, though. We've taken 0/6 from two extremely winnable home games, mitigated somewhat by a really good 3 points away from home. We need to be looking at winning every single game this month honestly.
Post by: OCD on February 02, 2026, 02:35:32 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 02, 2026, 02:45:40 PM
Post by: OCD on February 02, 2026, 02:56:27 PM
We didn't play any of them until November, and we beat all 4.
Should have quoted Monty as it was more a reply to his comment.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 02, 2026, 02:56:55 PM
Post by: eamonn on February 02, 2026, 03:17:50 PM
Otherwise the Chelsea and Yanited matches in March become more do or die than they should be.
Post by: dave.woodhall on February 02, 2026, 03:38:47 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on February 02, 2026, 04:49:06 PM
Post by: London Villan on February 02, 2026, 07:44:53 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 02, 2026, 07:47:10 PM
I fear the last two home games will be the difference between 5th and 6th. Two relatively easy matches we should have got at least 4 points from. Similar to the draws with ipswich, palace and bournemouth last season….
On the flip side we wouldn't have been surprised with a defeat at Newcastle, so there's 3 of them back.
Post by: Dave on February 02, 2026, 07:47:20 PM
I fear the last two home games will be the difference between 5th and 6th. Two relatively easy matches we should have got at least 4 points from. Similar to the draws with ipswich, palace and bournemouth last season….
Or the draws against Sheffield Utd and Brentford the season before?
Post by: London Villan on February 02, 2026, 07:56:21 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 02, 2026, 07:56:22 PM
I fear the last two home games will be the difference between 5th and 6th. Two relatively easy matches we should have got at least 4 points from. Similar to the draws with ipswich, palace and bournemouth last season….
On the flip side we wouldn't have been surprised with a defeat at Newcastle, so there's 3 of them back.
Yep, it’s always disappointing to have these kind of results but we’re still in a good position. We just need to get a bit of momentum going again.
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 02, 2026, 08:04:31 PM
While there is a long way to go, I can see us getting reeled in due to our midfield issues.I am more worried about the refereeing than our midfield.
Post by: eamonn on February 02, 2026, 08:05:35 PM
I fear the last two home games will be the difference between 5th and 6th. Two relatively easy matches we should have got at least 4 points from. Similar to the draws with ipswich, palace and bournemouth last season….
Melodrama
Post by: London Villan on February 02, 2026, 08:08:08 PM
Post by: Beard82 on February 02, 2026, 08:13:38 PM
I think our Jan work has been cute - if we can get Elliots deal redone then I think that will be like a new signing. The last 2 home games have been pretty freakish - awful decisions by the ref, and our players, and I dont think that will continue.
Post by: tony scott on February 02, 2026, 08:21:05 PM
Post by: Skipper_The_Eyechild on February 02, 2026, 08:28:55 PM
Not really melodrama, but i think two unexpected home games like that will have a big impact on where we finish.
But then you have to take the opposite as well, winning at Newcastle for the first time in 20 years. Did you see that result and think 'we're going to win the league'? Probably not, just like you shouldn't think the wheels are going to come off with a couple of unexpected losses.
Post by: eamonn on February 02, 2026, 08:30:41 PM
Not really melodrama, but i think two unexpected home games like that will have a big impact on where we finish.
I think we've nicked points in certain games where a draw may have been fairer (WHam away, Yanited at home), we'll likely end-up where we deserve to and we have a cushion so we just need to get back to winning ways as soon as possible.
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 02, 2026, 08:32:03 PM
We look tired, which is worrying there is still a long way to go.
I’m not sure it’s tiredness, I think we look a bit flat. It does happen, but I think we’ll come through it.
Post by: eye digress on February 02, 2026, 08:42:57 PM
Our points per game would also have to decline to a level that we have not yet experienced under Unai.
So while there will undoubtedly be some ebb and flow, we really are in the box seats.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 02, 2026, 09:35:35 PM
We look tired, which is worrying there is still a long way to go.
Na i dont think we were. Alot of them didnt play against salzburg
Just a poor performance
Post by: dorsetvillian on February 02, 2026, 10:09:07 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on February 02, 2026, 10:20:06 PM
Not really melodrama, but i think two unexpected home games like that will have a big impact on where we finish.
I think we've nicked points in certain games where a draw may have been fairer (WHam away, Yanited at home), we'll likely end-up where we deserve to and we have a cushion so we just need to get back to winning ways as soon as possible.
We'll definitely end up where we deserve. Every team does at the end of the season (notwithstanding points deductions)
As for where that will be, I'd rather be in our position than those chasing us. For what it's worth, we were on the same record after 24 games in 23/24. Our record in the last 14 was W 6 D 4 L4. I'd like to improve on that to make sure but it could be enough this time around too.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on February 02, 2026, 10:48:31 PM
Not really melodrama, but i think two unexpected home games like that will have a big impact on where we finish.
I think we've nicked points in certain games where a draw may have been fairer (WHam away, Yanited at home), we'll likely end-up where we deserve to and we have a cushion so we just need to get back to winning ways as soon as possible.
We'll definitely end up where we deserve. Every team does at the end of the season (notwithstanding points deductions)
As for where that will be, I'd rather be in our position than those chasing us. For what it's worth, we were on the same record after 24 games in 23/24. Our record in the last 14 was W 6 D 4 L4. I'd like to improve on that to make sure but it could be enough this time around too.
And the last two games (a draw and a loss) didn’t matter.
Post by: eamonn on February 03, 2026, 01:16:30 AM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on February 03, 2026, 03:47:43 AM
Villa:
Bournemouth (a)
Brighton (h)
Leeds (h)
Wolves (a)
Chelsea (h)
Man Utd (a)
West Ham (h)
Forest (a)
Sunderland (h)
Fulham (a)
Spurs (h)
Burnley (a)
Liverpool (h)
Man City (a)
Man Utd:
Spurs (h)
West Ham (a)
Everton (a)
Palace (h)
Newcastle (a)
Villa (h)
Bournemouth (a)
Leeds (h)
Chelsea (a)
Brentford (h)
Liverpool (h)
Sunderland (a)
Forest (h)
Brighton (a)
Chelsea:
Wolves (a)
Leeds (h)
Burnley (h)
Arsenal (a)
Villa (a)
Newcastle (h)
Everton (a)
Man City (h)
Man Utd (h)
Brighton (a)
Forest (h)
Liverpool (a)
Spurs (h)
Sunderland (a)
Liverpool:
Man City (h)
Sunderland (a)
Forest (a)
West Ham (h)
Wolves (a)
Spurs (h)
Brighton (a)
Fulham (h)
Everton (a)
Palace (h)
Man Utd (a)
Chelsea (h)
Villa (a)
Brentford (h)
Post by: Percy McCarthy on February 03, 2026, 03:49:15 AM
Post by: eye digress on February 03, 2026, 04:40:27 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on February 03, 2026, 07:44:48 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 03, 2026, 07:50:22 AM
8 points or more from the next four would guarantee we can't be caught before the Chelsea and Man Utd league gamestrying to work out how you get 8 points from 4 games
Post by: Dave on February 03, 2026, 07:52:53 AM
Post by: Demitri_C on February 03, 2026, 08:05:29 AM
Post by: algy on February 03, 2026, 09:06:11 AM
For it to all go south on us, all three of Yanited, Liverpool and Chelsea would need to hit title winning type form. If you think about it, that's highly unlikely - not least as they have to play each other.This is the thing.
Our points per game would also have to decline to a level that we have not yet experienced under Unai.
So while there will undoubtedly be some ebb and flow, we really are in the box seats.
We had a similar dip at the start of the season. Suppose we come out of it for our next game, then maintain the form we had prior to Everton. Suppose Arsenal and Man City have exactly the same form as they've had since the start of the season. In that scenario, we win the league.
It's a rough patch, but if we can come out of it quickly we'll be fine. And as eye_digress says, even if we weren't to - we'd need lower mid table form, and the other 3 to all hit title-winning form, for us to finish out of the top 5 now. Not to say that there's no chance of it happening, but I'm still reasonably confident on that front.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on February 03, 2026, 09:27:22 AM
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on February 03, 2026, 09:27:50 AM
^^ Chelsea up against it out of the three IMO.
Certainly looks that way from their fixtures.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 03, 2026, 10:12:11 AM
Post by: eye digress on February 03, 2026, 10:16:52 AM
I guess the worry is that our form dips to a detrimental level while our first choice midfield are out injured, which wouldn't be entirely unexpected. I trust Unai to find a way and we need Luiz, Onana, Bogarde to really step up over these next few weeks.
I think one thing we can be confident in (and the reason his points per game record is so good) is that Unai, on a game by game basis, will make us competitive most of the time - even with a few B- or C-listers in the team.
Post by: eye digress on February 03, 2026, 10:19:36 AM
I think Yanited are the most likely to catch us if they can remain relatively consistent. Only 5 points behind, their run-in isn't bad, and they can concentrate 100% on the league (with no matches in the FA Cup or Europe). It's hard to see all three overtaking us, unless out form really drops off.
They certainly should, for the reasons ypu set out.
Have a funny feeling they won't though. If Carrick was an elite manager, it would be common knowledge by now.
Post by: Ads on February 03, 2026, 10:20:13 AM
Post by: Monty on February 03, 2026, 10:23:24 AM
Post by: TheToffnar on February 04, 2026, 03:13:51 PM
Everton, United, Sunderland, Brighton and us away paired with some tricky fixtures at home. They're nailed on for some tough CL fixtures in-between as well.
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 04, 2026, 03:28:10 PM
We had a brilliant run and now we are struggling with injuries.
Post by: Dave on February 04, 2026, 03:31:25 PM
7 points is nothing.
We had a brilliant run and now we are struggling with injuries.
It's not nothing when you've only won one league match so far this year.
Post by: TheToffnar on February 04, 2026, 03:34:30 PM
Too many novel variables that could go one of two ways for United and Chelsea, where we know we're good enough to beat anyone, irrespective of injuries, two of which will be back for the run in.
Not saying it's impossible for us to drop like a stone, but we've been here before. We rarely if ever go on extended periods of crap form for long under Emery.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 04, 2026, 03:46:33 PM
7 points is nothing.
We had a brilliant run and now we are struggling with injuries.
They have 7 points from their last 6 games. 7 points is a massive gap.
Post by: TheToffnar on February 04, 2026, 04:04:23 PM
Not that we should have that mindset generally, of course.
Post by: jwarry on February 04, 2026, 04:16:14 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on February 04, 2026, 06:07:23 PM
Post by: Ads on February 04, 2026, 06:08:53 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on February 04, 2026, 06:12:22 PM
Post by: eye digress on February 04, 2026, 08:57:26 PM
Post by: Garyth on February 04, 2026, 11:45:25 PM
Btw, we’re talking about United, Liverpool and Chelsea potentially catching us, but City are looking just as jittery as we are.
I read this, agreed, and was about to move on without saying anything.
Then I did a double take, as I realised that for all my Villa supporting life this sentence would have been unimaginable. It strikes me that not only is it the sentence accurate, but we have normalized ourselves at such a level that I found it not even noteworthy enough to comment on.
These are wild times.
Post by: Smithy on February 05, 2026, 11:10:54 AM
I just heard someone on a podcast say that, if Arsenal win and Man City lose at the weekend, that would be a 9-point gap, and that would be insurmountable. In that context, 7 points looks healthy enough. Obviously Arsenal and Man City have midfields and we don't, but then we're not being chased by Arsenal or Man City.
The people on podcasts would have a very different tone if Arsenal were defending a points lead after losing three of their first-choice midfield. If they lost Rice for the season, and Odegaard and Zubimendi for a couple of months, I assure you it would put a VERY different complexion on things.
For us, what matters most of all right now, is Luiz getting up to speed quickly and staying fit (he looked okay at the weekend), and Onana staying fit. If they can both remain in the first 11 for the next 6 weeks, I think we'll be okay. But if either one of them breaks down, I would begin to fear a little for us. We'd essentially be playing our 3rd/4th choice midfield if that happens, and that's just not sustainable beyond a game or two.
Post by: eamonn on February 05, 2026, 11:32:21 AM
How likely is it that he's fit for every game for the next 3 months? It ain't realistic.
Post by: TheToffnar on February 05, 2026, 11:53:28 AM
Post by: brontebilly on February 05, 2026, 12:35:55 PM
What's Onana's longest stint of starts in a Villa shirt? It feels he doesn't trust his body or has an issue with low-pain threshold.
How likely is it that he's fit for every game for the next 3 months? It ain't realistic.
He needs to deliver a Newcastle esque performance next weekend. If he does with Luiz next to him we will win the midfield battle and a narrow win.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 07, 2026, 04:57:31 PM
Post by: Monty on February 07, 2026, 04:58:19 PM
Post by: LeeS on February 07, 2026, 04:58:38 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on February 07, 2026, 04:59:19 PM
Post by: PhilVill on February 07, 2026, 05:00:46 PM
Post by: Mellin on February 07, 2026, 05:01:12 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on February 07, 2026, 05:01:28 PM
Post by: Aldridge Villa on February 07, 2026, 05:01:40 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on February 07, 2026, 05:02:15 PM
Premier League, no. Europa League, a good chance.
Not even sure on that way tbh because we are still missing Kamara, Tielemans and McGinn for the RO16 and probably QFs as well.
Post by: Beard82 on February 07, 2026, 05:02:30 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 07, 2026, 05:04:25 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 07, 2026, 05:05:25 PM
Brighton H
Leeds H
Wolves A
Chelsea H
ManU A
Post by: Beard82 on February 07, 2026, 05:09:43 PM
Post by: eamonn on February 07, 2026, 05:20:39 PM
8 points from the last 7 isn't great.
Villa winning at Newcastle feels like 9 points. S'all good, man.
Post by: shipscat on February 07, 2026, 05:25:10 PM
Post by: garyellis on February 07, 2026, 05:29:29 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 07, 2026, 05:30:03 PM
8 points from the last 7 isn't great.
Villa winning at Newcastle feels like 9 points. S'all good, man.
It’s not great, but I suspect all the teams below us have been through similar runs. It does happen, and it’s a situation where you need to grind out results where you can - a point today is decent.
If we play like this for the rest of the season we won’t make it, but I’d be staggered if we do. We will get some form back and I imagine other teams will drop off as well. Next three are important though.
Post by: dorsetvillian on February 07, 2026, 05:53:42 PM
Post by: aj2k77 on February 07, 2026, 05:54:30 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on February 07, 2026, 05:55:24 PM
We have taken 4 points from two very difficult away games. Unai just needs to find a midfield solution at home to keep us in touch until the business end of the season.
Three games in a row to figure something out
Post by: Halfway to Moseley on February 07, 2026, 06:01:41 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on February 07, 2026, 06:03:17 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 07, 2026, 06:03:23 PM
We’re eight points clear of sixth. Need Man City to batter Liverpool as their goal difference is already worse than ours.
Agreed. I'll be very annoyed if Liverpool pip us to a CL spot.
Post by: eamonn on February 07, 2026, 06:07:55 PM
Post by: Goldie.7 on February 07, 2026, 06:22:26 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 07, 2026, 06:25:27 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 07, 2026, 06:29:05 PM
By the time the midfield gets back we'll be 6th with harder games to come. I think it's Europa or bust.
Blimey I know you tend to veer towards the angry side of things, but our last two away performances are fine. If we get a bit of rhythm back at home then we’re well in top 4/5 race, in fact we have an advantage.
Post by: Halfway to Moseley on February 07, 2026, 07:16:18 PM
One could definitely do it, maybe two. All three still seems pretty unlikely.
Post by: Beard82 on February 07, 2026, 07:26:04 PM
Were not in great form - and the chasing pack has found some. But i think it is highly unlikely they all out perform us in the run in.
Some of these games recently have been unlucky - and some awful refereeing. If we could win the next 3 home games - I think this dip will be over and well be pretty close. Beat Man Utd or Chelsea as well and well be pretty much there!
Post by: django on February 07, 2026, 07:38:19 PM
I know he was better today in the first half but Sancho, as well as Bailey, Elliot, and Guessand have offered basically nothing combined all season. It's put massive pressure on Ollie and Rogers to deliver every week and only Rogers has done it consistently.
I might get some optimism back but currently it feels like we've blown it over the last couple of weeks.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 07, 2026, 07:41:13 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 07, 2026, 07:41:29 PM
The last few weeks have been pretty brutal. Us dropping points since the injuries and Man U and Chelsea going on good runs. Any side that missed 3 first choice midfielders at the same time for 2 months+ is going to suffer.I agree, the disruption to the team has been too great.
I know he was better today in the first half but Sancho, as well as Bailey, Elliot, and Guessand have offered basically nothing combined all season. It's put massive pressure on Ollie and Rogers to deliver every week and only Rogers has done it consistently.
I might get some optimism back but currently it feels like we've blown it over the last couple of weeks.
Post by: tomd2103 on February 07, 2026, 07:47:55 PM
We haven't blown anything. The three injuries in midfield are just going to make it tougher than it could have been.
It's not even that. It's Manchester United's recent resurgence that has shifted things a bit. The Brighton and Leeds games at home look very important now.
Post by: django on February 07, 2026, 07:55:42 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 07, 2026, 08:07:32 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on February 07, 2026, 08:37:19 PM
We haven't blown anything. The three injuries in midfield are just going to make it tougher than it could have been.
Losing at home to Everton and Brentford certainly hasn’t helped
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 07, 2026, 08:41:01 PM
We haven't blown anything. The three injuries in midfield are just going to make it tougher than it could have been.
Losing at home to Everton and Brentford certainly hasn’t helped
Losing at home to Forest, and drawing at home to Burnley, certainly hasn't Liverpool. Don't worry, we will qualify for the CL. Twice.
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 07, 2026, 09:06:17 PM
Post by: BoVillan esq on February 07, 2026, 09:12:37 PM
Post by: Mellin on February 07, 2026, 09:31:24 PM
I thought we were doing well this season despite a sub-standard attack (minus Rogers), because we have an exceptional goalkeeper, defence and midfield. We've lost one of those. That is a problem.
Post by: tomd2103 on February 07, 2026, 09:51:09 PM
It's going to be tight as fuck and we will struggle for the rest of the season imo. Those looking at early season form and saying "we'll be alright" might as well be looking at a different team. We have lost our three most important midfielders. That isn"t something any team in the world is getting away with.
I thought we were doing well this season despite a sub-standard attack (minus Rogers), because we have an exceptional goalkeeper, defence and midfield. We've lost one of those. That is a problem.
It's likely to be like the season we finished fourth I think where we limp towards the line. Suppose we were a bit fortunate that season that Spurs tripped up at the end and we got over the line. When you look at the other teams in the top 6 now, it's going to be tough competition.
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 07, 2026, 09:52:02 PM
Post by: Mellin on February 07, 2026, 09:56:50 PM
It's going to be tight as fuck and we will struggle for the rest of the season imo. Those looking at early season form and saying "we'll be alright" might as well be looking at a different team. We have lost our three most important midfielders. That isn"t something any team in the world is getting away with.
I thought we were doing well this season despite a sub-standard attack (minus Rogers), because we have an exceptional goalkeeper, defence and midfield. We've lost one of those. That is a problem.
It's likely to be like the season we finished fourth I think where we limp towards the line. Suppose we were a bit fortunate that season that Spurs tripped up at the end and we got over the line. When you look at the other teams in the top 6 now, it's going to be tough competition.
Massively agree. Posted similar in, I think, this thread a few weeks ago. Really strange repeat of history. Hopefully the same outcome.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on February 07, 2026, 09:58:39 PM
Or maybe it’s an opportunity to step up. Reality is we don’t have to be anywhere near as good as we were in the first half of the season. We just need to be decent, which we are more than capable of. Every midfielder being fit gave us a small chance of the title - but the squad now can deliver enough for top 5.
Yes.
Post by: andyh on February 07, 2026, 10:42:40 PM
Post by: pauliewalnuts on February 07, 2026, 10:44:10 PM
We are this years Nottingham Forest.
I caught myself thinking that earlier.
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 07, 2026, 10:47:39 PM
Post by: tomd2103 on February 07, 2026, 10:53:48 PM
Or maybe it’s an opportunity to step up. Reality is we don’t have to be anywhere near as good as we were in the first half of the season. We just need to be decent, which we are more than capable of. Every midfielder being fit gave us a small chance of the title - but the squad now can deliver enough for top 5.
We've got a bit of a gap as it stands, but we're likely going to have to be better than one out of Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool over the home stretch.
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 07, 2026, 11:03:55 PM
Or to put it another way all three of those sides being consistently better than us? Maybe, odds against it. Especially Man Utd - a good start under Carrick, but I’m far from sold all problems are solved.
Post by: Skipper_The_Eyechild on February 07, 2026, 11:15:35 PM
Post by: caster troy on February 07, 2026, 11:19:52 PM
Post by: eamonn on February 07, 2026, 11:21:26 PM
Perhaps - but Forest came up from nowhere. We’ve been in and around here the last few years and have one of the best managers around.
Exactly. They were a 6-month wonder and can fuck off!
Post by: Skipper_The_Eyechild on February 07, 2026, 11:24:35 PM
Post by: tomd2103 on February 07, 2026, 11:33:54 PM
People say how much we want to win the FA Cup and we had Premier League opposition to defeat, not some lower league minnows. I don't have issue with the decision at all.
I'd dearly love us to win the FA Cup and the Europa League, but in the situation we are in finishing in the Champions League spots is the number one priority. I hate that that's the case, but it is the reality unfortunately.
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 07, 2026, 11:57:28 PM
Agree.People say how much we want to win the FA Cup and we had Premier League opposition to defeat, not some lower league minnows. I don't have issue with the decision at all.
I'd dearly love us to win the FA Cup and the Europa League, but in the situation we are in finishing in the Champions League spots is the number one priority. I hate that that's the case, but it is the reality unfortunately.
Post by: Skipper_The_Eyechild on February 08, 2026, 12:32:20 AM
Post by: ROBBO on February 08, 2026, 12:41:12 AM
Post by: tomd2103 on February 08, 2026, 01:38:24 AM
How many years do we field weakened teams for then in the FA Cup? Will we just be saying the same in 5 years time because we still need Champions League football to compete? I'm not being pissy, I'm just wondering what people think. Villa haven't been cup challengers for most of my life. In the back of my mind I'm thinking this period of "success" could be fleeting and we should be taking these opportunities, who knows? It's just been shit luck that we lost so many midfielders with Kamara the first to go. We couldn't have known that lady luck was about to take a massive dump on us.
I was born.in 1980, so can accept that we won the league and European Cup in my lifetime. I would dearly love to see us win the FA Cup and the Europa League would be next (though preferred it when it was the UEFA Cup). The reality of our situation is that we need Champions League football just to stay where we are, let alone properly compete.
Post by: Rory on February 08, 2026, 05:52:22 AM
We are this years Nottingham Forest.
I caught myself thinking that earlier.
Catch yourself on.
Post by: Olneythelonely on February 08, 2026, 09:17:30 AM
Winning the cup won't keep Rogers at Villa qualifying for Europe probably will.
What’s the point in keeping Rogers here if it’s not to win cups?
Post by: Baldy on February 08, 2026, 09:34:44 AM
Post by: TCFKAE2 on February 08, 2026, 09:37:04 AM
Post by: stubbsyandy on February 08, 2026, 09:43:57 AM
Post by: john e on February 08, 2026, 09:57:02 AM
You can work out all your numbers, all your scenarios all your XG’s
How many points we need for this and that, how many games we’ve got to win to get into top five
And it’s all a load of bollocks because anything can happen in any game
Every game is different, we’ve got as much chance of finishing in top five than anyone else in the top six at the moment apart from Arsenal obvs
So throw your graphs and numbers charts in the bin
Let’s go out and get three points on Wednesday night and we’ll be in Poll position again
Post by: eye digress on February 08, 2026, 10:04:52 AM
We are this years Nottingham Forest.
I caught myself thinking that earlier.
Catch yourself on.
Exactly.
It's playing out as you'd expect, so far.
We are having a fallow period of form - corresponding (happily, if you think about it) to injury disruption (rather than just reverting to the mean, which was the case for Forest last year).
At the same time, certain challengers are coming on strong - notably Yanited and Chelsea. It's unlikely to last for either of them, and almost definitely won't last for both of them.
The other remaining challenger, Liverpool, has been unable to find form yet. But they will at some point (the signs are there, especially with Wirtz).
Like Liverpool, our weak form will bottom out and we'll return to strength - I think in part once we have resolved the structural midfield issue, and again when reinforcements (McGinn, Tielemans) arrive in March.
So, will we be conclusively overtaken by both Chelsea and Yanited by then? Unlikely, but possible.
And if we are, will we have also been overhauled by Liverpool? Even less likely.
In all logic, not all of our rivals can be on red hot form at the same time.
Keep the faith, UTV!
Post by: wince on February 08, 2026, 10:39:34 AM
Listen folks football is not an exact scienceThis all day long.
You can work out all your numbers, all your scenarios all your XG’s
How many points we need for this and that, how many games we’ve got to win to get into top five
And it’s all a load of bollocks because anything can happen in any game
Every game is different, we’ve got as much chance of finishing in top five than anyone else in the top six at the moment apart from Arsenal obvs
So throw your graphs and numbers charts in the bin
Let’s go out and get three points on Wednesday night and we’ll be in Poll position again
And for those saying we are this years forest? Well I’ll go get my chainsaw. Have some faith
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 08, 2026, 10:46:02 AM
So throw your graphs and numbers charts in the bin
Let’s go out and get three points on Wednesday night and we’ll be in Poll position again
Just need to maintain the gap for a few weeks, get our first-choice midfielders back, and we'll be first past the post in the race for a CL spot.
Post by: RamboandBruno on February 08, 2026, 12:10:37 PM
Exactly. A Liverpool fan at work said the Forest thing to me in work on Friday, I told him to do one. We’ve been doing this stuff for three years under Emery, no one season wonder here.We are this years Nottingham Forest.
I caught myself thinking that earlier.
Catch yourself on.
Post by: algy on February 08, 2026, 12:10:53 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on February 08, 2026, 12:36:45 PM
Winning the cup won't keep Rogers at Villa qualifying for Europe probably will.
What’s the point in keeping Rogers here if it’s not to win cups?
Gonna go out on a limb and predict we will qualify for Europe if we win a cup.
Post by: KevinGage on February 08, 2026, 12:38:28 PM
It's just been shit luck that we lost so many midfielders with Kamara the first to go. We couldn't have known that lady luck was about to take a massive dump on us.
There's an element of bad luck with the injuries (you could argue that Kamara and McGinn could've been rotated more in Dec, and may not have come a cropper in the manner they did. Youri's absence is down to an outright nasty challenge).
But losing Malen from an already small and tight knit squad was a choice. He felt he should've started more games last season and this. When you see Ollie's ongoing travails, he prob has a point.
Post by: Villan82 on February 08, 2026, 01:06:24 PM
Post by: tomd2103 on February 08, 2026, 01:28:00 PM
I think a serious reality check is required. Emery has performed miracles with the squad, and available players, this season. As he said earlier there are at least 6 teams that should, by virtue of their financial muscle/FFP (PSR etc.) headroom, should finish above AVFC. Having to bring in "yesterdays men" Luiz and Bailey, and a journeyman (and another former player) like Abraham (who I actually like/think will be decent value for money), in the Jan Window rather than players who will make an immediate/significant (and long term) difference, says it all. With the current, injury hit, squad top 8 will still be a decent Season - Europa League has to be the priority when applicable as not only a realistic chance of long sought Silverware/glory (the type of games suit the squad more- success will be down to mentality) and a route into the Champs League, it should also serve as a much needed boost to commercial revenue (esp. sponsorship.) Looking at players picked up by other (mid-level) P League teams recruitment during Emery's tenure has (with a couple of notable exceptions) undoubtedly been poor - can't believe this has not been noticed by the Owners so hopefully things will improve come the Summer+. If the worst happens on Wednesday night think before you Boo.
Agree with all of that. It's been a great few years under Unai Emey that have provided some really memorable moments. I doubt many people will be booing on Wednesday night whatever happens, as I'm sure most fans understand the limitations the club has imposed on them.
It's just that the Champions League money is so important for us if we are to maintain the levels of the past few years.
Post by: Rigadon on February 08, 2026, 01:37:54 PM
Post by: Goldenballs on February 08, 2026, 01:39:19 PM
Chelsea have a new young manager, will surely have a rough patch next season.
Man Utd, depends who they appoint permanently. Carrick would be another inexperienced manager, likely to have a rough patch.
Spurs, who knows. Don't look likely to threaten next season.
Liverpool had a magnificent season followed by a shaky one so far.
If we finish top 5 I feel like we can kick on, add some genuine quality, and do the same again next season, miss out and it's another uphill battle, likely losing a key player and having to do it all again with our hands tied behind our backs. Unai can only do so much, you can tell he's frustrated.
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 08, 2026, 01:45:06 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 08, 2026, 01:47:27 PM
8th would be a rubbish season. We need to be finishing top 5.
Yeah, even finishing 6th would be a massive disappointment now.
Post by: eamonn on February 08, 2026, 02:45:09 PM
They have all the resources, we only have some of them.
We need to keep getting top five by hook or by crook. If not, hopefully UEFA will offer a 6th place PL team CL football cos we're just so much better than all the other leagues.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 08, 2026, 02:51:12 PM
8th would be a rubbish season. We need to be finishing top 5.
The funny thing is paul thats where i expected us to finish when the window closed in summer when i looked at squad. I never thought we would be where we are.
But now like you all things considered, 8th would be very poor- although i would happily finish there if it meant winning europa this season!
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 08, 2026, 06:37:22 PM
Post by: Monty on February 08, 2026, 06:38:48 PM
We're even further ahead of 6th after this weekend's games. 8)
That's what I'm choosing to take from it too!
Post by: Toronto Villa on February 08, 2026, 06:39:37 PM
We're even further ahead of 6th after this weekend's games. 8)
We have to win midweek. Liverpool go to Sunderland which will be very tough. If we can end the week 10 or 11 points clear that would be massive.
Post by: Dave P on February 08, 2026, 06:52:53 PM
We're even further ahead of 6th after this weekend's games. 8)
It’s unbelievable really. Plus Man Utd and Chelsea won’t keep winning like this and we have a decent buffer to 6th.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 08, 2026, 06:54:11 PM
Post by: eamonn on February 08, 2026, 06:59:55 PM
Post by: Mellin on February 08, 2026, 07:02:01 PM
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on February 08, 2026, 07:03:48 PM
We still have games against each of the bottom 7 teams. (We have took the maximum 21 points off those bottom 7 earlier in the season) Realistically I would expect us to get to 70+ points even with injuries and cup distractions.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 08, 2026, 07:04:23 PM
Other way of looking at is they are due a good run.
They've won 6 league games since September, they're shit.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 08, 2026, 07:06:07 PM
There's 13 games left, Liverpool are 8 behind and have taken 7 points from their last 7. They're shit, and don't even have an entire midfield out injured as an excuse, they're just shit.
They need to be more concerned about Brentford than us.
Post by: SaddVillan on February 08, 2026, 07:09:22 PM
Villa 47pts GD +9
Liverpool 39pts GD +5
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 08, 2026, 07:11:20 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 08, 2026, 07:16:36 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 08, 2026, 07:17:27 PM
It's so done we should come out to the CL music on Weds.;D
Post by: eye digress on February 08, 2026, 07:20:57 PM
Other way of looking at is they are due a good run.
They've won 6 league games since September, they're shit.
But you do get the sense that some decent form isn't far away, with Wirtz improving especially.
That said, looking at their fixture list, I'd be pretty surprised if they overhauled us.
Post by: Dave P on February 08, 2026, 07:22:34 PM
It's so done we should come out to the CL music on Weds.
Save that for the Liverpool game when they finish 6th. With fireworks for Slot as well of course.
Post by: algy on February 08, 2026, 07:39:01 PM
Still 13 games to go, still not definite. But we’re in a really good place.
Post by: Smithy on February 08, 2026, 09:59:20 PM
Thankfully Liverpool are still proving to be hugely inconsistent. However, I would HATE to have to go to Man City on the last day with them still capable of overhauling us, so we can call it 8 points gap to 6th, but in my head I'm treating it like 5, because of that final game at City. And we play Liverpool the week before.
Given the way we lost out on goal difference last season, I'm not sure I could take another final day drama where we need a result away from home in Manchester...
We could really do with a couple of back-to-back wins sooner rather than later...
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 08, 2026, 10:04:15 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 08, 2026, 10:08:47 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 08, 2026, 10:09:03 PM
Post by: Dave on February 08, 2026, 10:09:45 PM
I'd prefer a final day where we've already secured CL football, but Citeh need a win to pip Arsenal to the title. Unai, get the deckchairs out!
Four days after our 36 hour celebratory piss up in Istanbul.
Post by: Smithy on February 08, 2026, 10:14:50 PM
Final day, 5 mins to go and it's 0-0. Other scores mean a ManC win gives them the title, a Villa win gives us CL, a draw means both miss out. Now that would be fun.
I never thought it would be possible for a single short paragraph to trigger a panic attack...
Post by: Sexual Ealing on February 08, 2026, 10:17:00 PM
Final day, 5 mins to go and it's 0-0. Other scores mean a ManC win gives them the title, a Villa win gives us CL, a draw means both miss out. Now that would be fun.
I never thought it would be possible for a single short paragraph to trigger a panic attack...
For sale: baby shoes, they've been up my dog's arse. And mine.
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 08, 2026, 10:22:14 PM
I'd prefer a final day where we've already secured CL football, but Citeh need a win to pip Arsenal to the title. Unai, get the deckchairs out!
Four days after our 36 hour celebratory piss up in Istanbul.
That’d be perfect.
Post by: AV82EC on February 08, 2026, 10:25:02 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 08, 2026, 10:51:00 PM
Final day, 5 mins to go and it's 0-0. Other scores mean a ManC win gives them the title, a Villa win gives us CL, a draw means both miss out. Now that would be fun.
I never thought it would be possible for a single short paragraph to trigger a panic attack...
We'll get a pen in the last min of added time, Ollie steps up to take it. That thought should relax you.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 08, 2026, 11:15:54 PM
Final day, 5 mins to go and it's 0-0. Other scores mean a ManC win gives them the title, a Villa win gives us CL, a draw means both miss out. Now that would be fun.
I never thought it would be possible for a single short paragraph to trigger a panic attack...
We'll get a pen in the last min of added time, Ollie steps up to take it. That thought should relax you.
*The run-up starts, Smirker waits, his index finger hovering above the mouse ready to press Post*
Post by: ROBBO on February 09, 2026, 12:49:16 AM
Post by: Rory on February 09, 2026, 05:14:15 AM
Qualifying makes all the difference to our spend in the summer, really want to see what Emery can do with a significant warchest.
Would he ever have one?
We've been selling one of our top players every year for five years, usually for a tidy profit, but we're still seemingly in the shit.
As long as the rules suit Man City, though, they're grand.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on February 09, 2026, 07:35:04 AM
Qualifying makes all the difference to our spend in the summer, really want to see what Emery can do with a significant warchest.
Would he ever have one?
We've been selling one of our top players every year for five years, usually for a tidy profit, but we're still seemingly in the shit.
As long as the rules suit Man City, though, they're grand.
On the plus side, we manage to sustain the 10th highest wage bill in the world with the 14th highest revenue (24/25), some of the best players in the world, one of the best managers in the world, some of the best (and richest) owners, we’re 3rd in the toughest league in the world, on course to qualify for the Champions League for the second time in three years and are investing hundreds of millions in infrastructure. I don’t think we’re in the shit.
Post by: Rory on February 10, 2026, 02:23:27 AM
Qualifying makes all the difference to our spend in the summer, really want to see what Emery can do with a significant warchest.
Would he ever have one?
We've been selling one of our top players every year for five years, usually for a tidy profit, but we're still seemingly in the shit.
As long as the rules suit Man City, though, they're grand.
On the plus side, we manage to sustain the 10th highest wage bill in the world with the 14th highest revenue (24/25), some of the best players in the world, one of the best managers in the world, some of the best (and richest) owners, we’re 3rd in the toughest league in the world, on course to qualify for the Champions League for the second time in three years and are investing hundreds of millions in infrastructure. I don’t think we’re in the shit.
Fair enough, Perce, 'in the shit' was over the top.
I'm just frustrated at us constantly being on the verge of breaching some set of rules or another.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on February 10, 2026, 03:55:55 AM
Post by: Rory on February 10, 2026, 04:22:42 AM
^^ Didn’t mean to pick on you mate, just pointing out we’ve got a lot going for us as well. I imagine there are plenty of traditionally big clubs all over Europe who think we have ‘unfair’ advantages.
No, not at all, brother. I agree with you, I think we're in a good place.
I just wish we weren't under such pressure all the time while the likes of Man City or Liverpool can have a net spend in one window greater than we've managed across five years - yet we're the ones on the verge of breaking the rules.
Post by: ROBBO on February 10, 2026, 04:42:29 AM
Post by: Rory on February 10, 2026, 05:12:57 AM
The rules as they are are incompatible with a competative Premiership,Villa would have to win Europe for the next ten years to compete commercially with the likes of Pool or City, the occassional minor cup win is all that is to left be played for, for most clubs it's avoiding relegation.
Yep, exactly, that's what I hate.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on February 10, 2026, 07:29:31 AM
The rules as they are are incompatible with a competative Premiership,Villa would have to win Europe for the next ten years to compete commercially with the likes of Pool or City, the occassional minor cup win is all that is to left be played for, for most clubs it's avoiding relegation.
Again, I disagree. We’d be right in the title race if not for injuries, not lack of spending freely. QED, it can be done. Stating the bleeding obvious, but the owners have a huge part to play. APTs are allowable now, as long as they’re fair market value. Heavy investment in marketing and infrastructure is allowable; the only costs that count under SCR are the head coach, the cost (fees and amortisation) of the first-team squad, and agents fees.
In the last four years of financial reporting, matchday income has trebled and broadcast income has doubled. Commercial income doubled in one year from 23/24 to 24/25. We’re buying up land in the local environs and investing in that. Let’s see where our revenue is and what our plans are in a couple of years time before we throw the towel in. If revenue grows as it has been over the last two or three years, the rest depends on recruitment, coaching and a successful academy. I’m excited and optimistic about the future. More importantly, so are two multi-billionaires and a multi-billion dollar investment vehicle, backed by Comcast Spectator.
Post by: Duncan Shaw on February 10, 2026, 08:22:31 AM
Claps hands...love this post Percy!The rules as they are are incompatible with a competative Premiership,Villa would have to win Europe for the next ten years to compete commercially with the likes of Pool or City, the occassional minor cup win is all that is to left be played for, for most clubs it's avoiding relegation.
Again, I disagree. We’d be right in the title race if not for injuries, not lack of spending freely. QED, it can be done. Stating the bleeding obvious, but the owners have a huge part to play. APTs are allowable now, as long as they’re fair market value. Heavy investment in marketing and infrastructure is allowable; the only costs that count under SCR are the head coach, the cost (fees and amortisation) of the first-team squad, and agents fees.
In the last four years of financial reporting, matchday income has trebled and broadcast income has doubled. Commercial income doubled in one year from 23/24 to 24/25. We’re buying up land in the local environs and investing in it. Let’s see where our revenue is and what our plans are in a couple of years time before we throw the towel in. If revenue grows as it has been over the last two or three years, the rest depends on recruitment, coaching and a successful academy. I’m excited and optimistic about the future. More importantly, so are two multi-billionaires and a multi-billion dollar investment vehicle, backed by Comcast Spectator.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on February 10, 2026, 08:30:33 AM
Post by: Nunkin1965 on February 10, 2026, 08:45:32 AM
Cheers Duncan. It would be remiss of me not to mention £170m invested in corporate areas, the Warehouse and the North Stand, plus the proposed improvements to two local railway stations. Seasonal attendances have smashed through the one million barrier over the last three years for the first time since the late seventies. With better facilities and diverse offers, visitor numbers to the area will also grow outside of football matches. Judging by the local growth plan, this is only the start.I think your confirming my belief that the future of Aston Villa Football Club is bright.
Such exciting times to be a supporter of this great institution.
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 10, 2026, 08:49:04 AM
Post by: Mellin on February 10, 2026, 09:04:21 AM
Final day, 5 mins to go and it's 0-0. Other scores mean a ManC win gives them the title, a Villa win gives us CL, a draw means both miss out. Now that would be fun.
I never thought it would be possible for a single short paragraph to trigger a panic attack...
We'll get a pen in the last min of added time, Ollie steps up to take it. That thought should relax you.
That pen would need to involve a shotgun in those circumstances.
Post by: AV82EC on February 10, 2026, 09:14:09 AM
That’s all positive. The bit that worries me is the reliance on Unai - he’s brilliant and has completely turned us around and it’s been entirely necessary to essentially give him the keys. But that does mean when he does leave it’s not just an exceptional manager going, but the entire footballing structure like needs rebuilding. That is very difficult.
How about, as Percy is laying out for us, revelling in and being positive about what we do have rather than worrying about some hypothetical that may not happen for a decade?
Post by: Dave on February 10, 2026, 09:43:52 AM
That’s all positive. The bit that worries me is the reliance on Unai - he’s brilliant and has completely turned us around and it’s been entirely necessary to essentially give him the keys. But that does mean when he does leave it’s not just an exceptional manager going, but the entire footballing structure like needs rebuilding. That is very difficult.
How about, as Percy is laying out for us, revelling in and being positive about what we do have rather than worrying about some hypothetical that may not happen for a decade?
How about doing both?
Everything is a finely-balanced series of pros and cons. We have Emery at the moment (or at least a big part of why) because we're basically happy to let him run the club from top to bottom as his plaything. Which is fine, because he's really good and reducing the level of control that he has would mean we are less likely to keep him.
All good.
But it's still a perfectly normal thing to think about the negative impact that decision will have when he does go. If that one person that you've allowed to build a club in his own image gets hit by a bus on the way to training, the current way we do things is a big problem for succession planning. I'm fine with that, because that risk is worth what Emery gives us now.
But I'd certainly hope that the owners have more of a plan for when it does happen* than "not worrying about some hypothetical" at the moment.
*Emery leaving, not getting hit by a bus.
Post by: Beard82 on February 10, 2026, 09:57:13 AM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 10, 2026, 10:08:59 AM
That’s all positive. The bit that worries me is the reliance on Unai - he’s brilliant and has completely turned us around and it’s been entirely necessary to essentially give him the keys. But that does mean when he does leave it’s not just an exceptional manager going, but the entire footballing structure like needs rebuilding. That is very difficult.
How about, as Percy is laying out for us, revelling in and being positive about what we do have rather than worrying about some hypothetical that may not happen for a decade?
Don’t see why they’re mutually exclusive as the other folks have outlined. I am enjoying all of this - which I think is suggested in the post. I also have an eye for the future too, which I think is entirely reasonable.
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on February 10, 2026, 10:12:40 AM
Yeah - I have thought this too. To be honest the last 6 years have shown that the owners will have a plan. They will be clearly aware of the as a possibility - and is clearly why they have sought to reduce risk of Emery leaving in many ways. I would imagine that will continue to be plan A. And whilst I think they are confident of keeping him for a good few years yet, I am sure they will have a Plan B.
Have they reduced the risk of Emery leaving by giving him more freedom and power though? That’s adding to the potential problems when it does happen. Its a balancing act between control and a succession plan. I suppose when you’re a club like us and you have a manager like UE you do all you can to keep him happy.
Post by: LeeB on February 10, 2026, 10:13:20 AM
That’s all positive. The bit that worries me is the reliance on Unai - he’s brilliant and has completely turned us around and it’s been entirely necessary to essentially give him the keys. But that does mean when he does leave it’s not just an exceptional manager going, but the entire footballing structure like needs rebuilding. That is very difficult.
How about, as Percy is laying out for us, revelling in and being positive about what we do have rather than worrying about some hypothetical that may not happen for a decade?
How about doing both?
Everything is a finely-balanced series of pros and cons. We have Emery at the moment (or at least a big part of why) because we're basically happy to let him run the club from top to bottom as his plaything. Which is fine, because he's really good and reducing the level of control that he has would mean we are less likely to keep him.
All good.
But it's still a perfectly normal thing to think about the negative impact that decision will have when he does go. If that one person that you've allowed to build a club in his own image gets hit by a bus on the way to training, the current way we do things is a big problem for succession planning. I'm fine with that, because that risk is worth what Emery gives us now.
But I'd certainly hope that the owners have more of a plan for when it does happen* than "not worrying about some hypothetical" at the moment.
*Emery leaving, not getting hit by a bus.
We could take steps to avoid this by not having him get the bus to training.
Post by: Dave on February 10, 2026, 10:17:46 AM
We could take steps to avoid this by not having him get the bus to training.
Be serious Lee, those SCR costs aren't going to just reduce themselves.
Post by: Drummond on February 10, 2026, 10:29:55 AM
Post by: Rigadon on February 10, 2026, 10:55:32 AM
Yes we will. Confirmed by beating Liverpool in the last home game before getting double qualification 3 days later.
Amen to that brother!
On the point of post Emery... That fateful day will at some point come. My own anxiety is more about whether it comes before we've actually had a sustained period of wining things, something like Man Utd / Ferguson or Arsenal / Wenger. Perhaps my expectations are too high, but if Emery left having not won stuff (cups probably) then, despite all of the amazing football we've enjoyed, it would feel like yet another missed opportunity in our history.
Post by: Drummond on February 10, 2026, 11:02:02 AM
When he leaves (I don't think he's immortal) these owners will find the next person, and they will know who to go for, and Emery will help them. And we will be fine.
Post by: eamonn on February 10, 2026, 11:06:41 AM
No more night-duty, could be a game-changer.
Post by: Rigadon on February 10, 2026, 11:16:59 AM
I feel lucky that we've had the chance to dream like we have over the past 3 years. Like anything in life, relish it whilst you have it. A trophy would be nice, continuing this dream is almost better. I love that we go into every game (bar Palace) knowing we could win it.
When he leaves (I don't think he's immortal) these owners will find the next person, and they will know who to go for, and Emery will help them. And we will be fine.
Yes, going to into nearly all games with an expectation we will compete is brilliant.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on February 10, 2026, 11:59:15 AM
Post by: Smithy on February 10, 2026, 12:42:35 PM
Balague (speaking at his book night I went to - can’t mind if it’s in the book itself) was at pains to point out that Emery has built the structure of a club that will continue to work as it is now, even with a new manager/head coach.
I would love to know more about this, and how the structure actually "works" rather than how it looks on paper, as it seems to me that, in reality, Unai is at the centre of everything. I have no doubt managers all over the world would crave the level of control Unai has, but I don't see it replicated too often elsewhere.
Post by: Chris Smith on February 10, 2026, 01:07:06 PM
Post by: Drummond on February 10, 2026, 01:25:20 PM
Post by: TheToffnar on February 10, 2026, 01:26:07 PM
Balague (speaking at his book night I went to - can’t mind if it’s in the book itself) was at pains to point out that Emery has built the structure of a club that will continue to work as it is now, even with a new manager/head coach.
I would love to know more about this, and how the structure actually "works" rather than how it looks on paper, as it seems to me that, in reality, Unai is at the centre of everything. I have no doubt managers all over the world would crave the level of control Unai has, but I don't see it replicated too often elsewhere.
I was talking about this with my uncle last home game. Is it simply because we're sort of uniquely positioned?
Prestigious English club with a fair bit of history, a committed fan base and the requisite funds to back an elite manager (almost) to the hilt, yet not SO big that the owners can't risk gambling everything on a single appointment, else the empire collapses if it fails?
Post by: LeeB on February 10, 2026, 02:14:49 PM
Balague (speaking at his book night I went to - can’t mind if it’s in the book itself) was at pains to point out that Emery has built the structure of a club that will continue to work as it is now, even with a new manager/head coach.
I would love to know more about this, and how the structure actually "works" rather than how it looks on paper, as it seems to me that, in reality, Unai is at the centre of everything. I have no doubt managers all over the world would crave the level of control Unai has, but I don't see it replicated too often elsewhere.
I was talking about this with my uncle last home game. Is it simply because we're sort of uniquely positioned?
Prestigious English club with a fair bit of history, a committed fan base and the requisite funds to back an elite manager (almost) to the hilt, yet not SO big that the owners can't risk gambling everything on a single appointment, else the empire collapses if it fails?
I think we are uniquely positioned in that sense, and also when the time comes when Unai does leave I think we will be a very interesting proposition for serious managers who wouldn't enjoy the same opportunities anywhere else..
I could see for example Tuchel looking on and thinking it would suit him given he's encountered similar issues to Emery at 'mega clubs'.
Post by: itbrvilla on February 10, 2026, 02:24:14 PM
Balague (speaking at his book night I went to - can’t mind if it’s in the book itself) was at pains to point out that Emery has built the structure of a club that will continue to work as it is now, even with a new manager/head coach.Hopefully the recruitment is better...
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 10, 2026, 10:14:24 PM
Post by: Beard82 on February 10, 2026, 10:21:34 PM
Post by: Beard82 on February 10, 2026, 10:23:46 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on February 10, 2026, 10:30:06 PM
As annoying as it seems the late equaliser - I am quite up for Man Utd finishing below us but getting European football. That will probably give Carrick the job, and he'll have a few years in a OGS type reign.
OGS finished second and third, which wouldn't be ideal.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on February 10, 2026, 10:44:41 PM
Post by: Pat McMahon on February 10, 2026, 11:02:45 PM
Balague (speaking at his book night I went to - can’t mind if it’s in the book itself) was at pains to point out that Emery has built the structure of a club that will continue to work as it is now, even with a new manager/head coach.
I would love to know more about this, and how the structure actually "works" rather than how it looks on paper, as it seems to me that, in reality, Unai is at the centre of everything. I have no doubt managers all over the world would crave the level of control Unai has, but I don't see it replicated too often elsewhere.
I was talking about this with my uncle last home game. Is it simply because we're sort of uniquely positioned?
Prestigious English club with a fair bit of history, a committed fan base and the requisite funds to back an elite manager (almost) to the hilt, yet not SO big that the owners can't risk gambling everything on a single appointment, else the empire collapses if it fails?
I think we are uniquely positioned in that sense, and also when the time comes when Unai does leave I think we will be a very interesting proposition for serious managers who wouldn't enjoy the same opportunities anywhere else..
I could see for example Tuchel looking on and thinking it would suit him given he's encountered similar issues to Emery at 'mega clubs'.
Exactly Lee, I said this to my nephew last week as he was fretting about the day Emery leaves.
I think everything at the club now would allow the owners to seek out a very good manager, completely different to the calibre we have generally been linked with pre Emery.
Hoping Unai stays for as long as it takes of course.
Post by: Beard82 on February 10, 2026, 11:03:22 PM
Works for me so long as were above them.As annoying as it seems the late equaliser - I am quite up for Man Utd finishing below us but getting European football. That will probably give Carrick the job, and he'll have a few years in a OGS type reign.
OGS finished second and third, which wouldn't be ideal.
I was more thinking of a manager that is ultimately replaced with out any foundational improvement.
Post by: Smithy on February 11, 2026, 12:36:43 PM
Works for me so long as were above them.As annoying as it seems the late equaliser - I am quite up for Man Utd finishing below us but getting European football. That will probably give Carrick the job, and he'll have a few years in a OGS type reign.
OGS finished second and third, which wouldn't be ideal.
I was more thinking of a manager that is ultimately replaced with out any foundational improvement.
That's true, we do want that club remaining a Glazer-influenced mad-house. But also, clubs in the traditional 'top 6' missing out on Europe helps us advance our own longer-term objectives. Not necessarily financially, as those 6 have built a commercial operation around regular European appearances, that a couple of years outside Europe doesn't stop them having the money to buy top players - but not being IN the top European competition makes them slightly less attractive TO those players.
We need to catch up financially, yes, but also reputationally with players looking to advance their careers. And a few regular years of European football helps enormously with that, especially if there are clubs around us failing to achieve that.
Spurs will be out of European next season (unless they win the whole thing, obviously - shudder), so that's one down. I would like to think one of Man U, Chelsea or Liverpool will also be outside the champions League places. It won't hit them in any hugely significant way financially, but it will help in elevating our reputation with ambitious players.
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 11, 2026, 03:56:11 PM
The “top” clubs receive more CL appearance money than we do because of the “value pillar”
So the financial impact is very significant.
Post by: Smithy on February 11, 2026, 04:02:32 PM
The “top” clubs receive more CL appearance money than we do because of the “value pillar”
So the financial impact is very significant.
I don't mean it's not a significant amount, it clearly is. I mean it's less significant to THEM. Think of it as a proportion of their revenue. A £100m Champions League campaign would be about 15% of Man Utd's revenue. To us, that figure goes up to at least 25%, maybe more. That's what I mean about it being something they can absorb for a year or two, whereas we can't, really - not yet, anyway.
When we're a £500m a year football club, missing out on Champions League will still affect our spending plans, but it will be much less likely to necessitate a fire sale. If Man Utd miss out, they might be looking at only buying their 2nd or 3rd choice players for a particular position. If we miss out, we might be looking at having to sell Morgan Rogers to balance the books. That's the difference today, and the sooner it's no longer a difference, the better.
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 11, 2026, 04:13:04 PM
There was a chart posted on here showing our net spend is £79 million whereas the others are 4to 500 million over the same period.
Post by: andyh on February 11, 2026, 04:49:49 PM
We will grow revenue ‘organically’ with the bigger north stand, the warehouse and improved commercial activities, but it will take years of increased revenue from those routes, to make what is available via CL revenue.
Get into the CL 2 or 3 years in succession and then it becomes self perpetuating. Bigger sponsorship deals, bigger commercial opportunities which leads to better players and being in with a chance of winning stuff, regularly.
Unfortunately, the CL is everything now.
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on February 12, 2026, 07:57:45 AM
Say you average 2 points per game from them, that would have us up to 62. Maybe win 2 of the other 6, so around 68 points.
Probably be enough for top 5.
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 12, 2026, 08:06:34 AM
Last night was a huge result, and gives us a bit of breathing space. The absences are really taking their toll, which is understandable given the quality not available. I really hope Pau is having minutes managed to allow him to play a lot towards the end of the season, because we need his passing quality. If we’re going to do it, we’re going to have to start scoring more freely at home.
Post by: paul_e on February 12, 2026, 11:05:10 AM
Even if they do Chelsea would still need 23 and Man Utd 22 and that's with them all to play each other. All 3 of them managing to get at least 67 points from where they are would be highly unlikely. I think 6th will end up with something around 62-63 this year so our immediate target should be 5wins, get that and I'd say we're pretty much guaranteed to finish top 5 and be in the CL next year.
Post by: Pat Mustard on February 12, 2026, 11:12:34 AM
68 seems a bit high. That would mean Liverpool getting 25 points from 12 games, it's not impossible but it would be a massive upswing in form from them.
Even if they do Chelsea would still need 23 and Man Utd 22 and that's with them all to play each other. All 3 of them managing to get at least 67 points from where they are would be highly unlikely. I think 6th will end up with something around 62-63 this year so our immediate target should be 5wins, get that and I'd say we're pretty much guaranteed to finish top 5 and be in the CL next year.
Completely agree with this. Looking at the remaining fixtures, and with teams below us playing each other then 6th place is likely to be no more than 64 points at the max, which means 5 wins, or 4 and a few draws. With Chelsea and Liverpool still to come at home for us, and Man Utd away as well we are very much in charge of our own destiny - I'd say a win in any of those 3 games would make it very difficult for the team we beat to overtake us.
Post by: dave.woodhall on February 12, 2026, 11:14:33 AM
Post by: rob_bridge on February 12, 2026, 11:17:15 AM
Post by: Dave on February 12, 2026, 11:18:07 AM
There's 12 games left and Liverpool need to win three more than us to go above us. If we don't lose to them that's three in eleven and if we blow that sort of lead we don't deserve to qualify.
Particularly as Liverpool have won two league games since December.
Post by: cdbearsfan on February 12, 2026, 11:22:46 AM
Post by: Smithy on February 12, 2026, 11:26:48 AM
There's 12 games left and Liverpool need to win three more than us to go above us. If we don't lose to them that's three in eleven and if we blow that sort of lead we don't deserve to qualify.
Particularly as Liverpool have won two league games since December.
We were all saying that about Man Utd and Chelsea until they suddenly both hit league-winning form, stringing four back-to-back wins together. Liverpool are capable of a similar run, even if they don't look like doing it.
6 wins SHOULD be enough, as it would then mean Liverpool need 26 points from 12 games to overhaul us (which is basically the form they showed when they won the league) - but I think we need those points in the next 10 games, rather than 12, as I would HATE to be playing Liverpool on 17th May with it still mathematically possible for them to overtake us. Last season's final day still haunts me, and I'd hate to be going to Manchester on the final day again, needing something from the game...
Post by: Smithy on February 12, 2026, 11:31:35 AM
Unfortunately, Liverpool seem to be playing Shittingham Shitsville every game for about the next three months. I think they'll be above us when we play them.
Yep, they don't play anyone in the top half until mid-April (and even then it's only Everton in 8th), and their next four league games are ALL against teams in the bottom five. We have to assume Liverpool will have a more than reasonable run in the next few games. Beating Leeds and Wolves would go a long way to limiting the damage they're likely to do to our lead over them.
Post by: Pat Mustard on February 12, 2026, 11:41:20 AM
There's 12 games left and Liverpool need to win three more than us to go above us. If we don't lose to them that's three in eleven and if we blow that sort of lead we don't deserve to qualify.
Particularly as Liverpool have won two league games since December.
We were all saying that about Man Utd and Chelsea until they suddenly both hit league-winning form, stringing four back-to-back wins together. Liverpool are capable of a similar run, even if they don't look like doing it.
6 wins SHOULD be enough, as it would then mean Liverpool need 26 points from 12 games to overhaul us (which is basically the form they showed when they won the league) - but I think we need those points in the next 10 games, rather than 12, as I would HATE to be playing Liverpool on 17th May with it still mathematically possible for them to overtake us. Last season's final day still haunts me, and I'd hate to be going to Manchester on the final day again, needing something from the game...
But if Liverpool go on that kind of run then it means they will have had to take points off Chelsea and Man Utd before we meet them. Chelsea and Man Utd will also have taken points off each other, as well as both playing Arsenal and Chelsea still having Man City to play on top of that.
Any realistic scenario makes 63/64 points almost certainly good enough for fifth, which will be a CL spot. 4/5 wins will be enough, especially if one of them comes in one of the head to head games.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 12, 2026, 11:47:31 AM
Unfortunately, Liverpool seem to be playing Shittingham Shitsville every game for about the next three months. I think they'll be above us when we play them.
I don't think they'll be above us before we play them. If they are to finish above us, they'll likely have to win at Villa Park and hope we lose to Citeh.
Post by: SaddVillan on February 12, 2026, 12:32:19 PM
Arsenal 2
Man City 3
Villa 4
Man Utd 3
Chelsea 5
Liverpool 3
Chelsea play EVERYONE, so they have the most number of critical 6 pointers.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 12, 2026, 04:04:44 PM
Post by: LeeS on February 12, 2026, 04:09:42 PM
In the past 6 weeks Liverpool have failed to beat Leeds, Fulham, Burnley and Bournemouth.
Yes, but have you not read the gushing reviews of Wirz this morning? He has finally arrived and all is well.
Post by: saint13 on February 12, 2026, 04:24:44 PM
68 seems a bit high. That would mean Liverpool getting 25 points from 12 games, it's not impossible but it would be a massive upswing in form from them.
Even if they do Chelsea would still need 23 and Man Utd 22 and that's with them all to play each other. All 3 of them managing to get at least 67 points from where they are would be highly unlikely. I think 6th will end up with something around 62-63 this year so our immediate target should be 5wins, get that and I'd say we're pretty much guaranteed to finish top 5 and be in the CL next year.
I was looking at some of the historical stats around thsi the other day and I think 66 will be the magic number for 5th.
Post by: saint13 on February 12, 2026, 04:28:01 PM
Unfortunately, Liverpool seem to be playing Shittingham Shitsville every game for about the next three months. I think they'll be above us when we play them.
Yep, they don't play anyone in the top half until mid-April (and even then it's only Everton in 8th), and their next four league games are ALL against teams in the bottom five. We have to assume Liverpool will have a more than reasonable run in the next few games. Beating Leeds and Wolves would go a long way to limiting the damage they're likely to do to our lead over them.
I think Chelsea have the most difficult run-in and will miss out barring a collapse from us of course!
Post by: brontebilly on February 12, 2026, 04:48:08 PM
Post by: Mellin on February 12, 2026, 05:08:48 PM
Don't give a single fuck about the FA Cup. Throw it. That can come later. We're trying to establish ourselves.
Post by: algy on February 12, 2026, 05:18:39 PM
Don't give a single fuck about the FA Cup. Throw it. That can come later. We're trying to establish ourselves.I’ve changed my tune on that this week. We may as well go for it - Newcastle have a trip to Azerbaijan a few days after they play us, wheats we have a week off. No reason not to go in for the win there, at which point we’re in the 5th round so only 3 games off the final.
I’d reassess after the 5th round draw, I think we’re probably better off prioritising the league or UEFA Cup if it came down to it, but whilst we don’t have to choose we may as well go for everything we can.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 12, 2026, 07:13:10 PM
Post by: AV82EC on February 12, 2026, 07:39:48 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 12, 2026, 07:39:50 PM
Post by: eamonn on February 12, 2026, 08:24:08 PM
In the past 6 weeks Liverpool have failed to beat Leeds, Fulham, Burnley and Bournemouth.
But ended Sunderland's unbeaten home record last night.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 12, 2026, 08:47:27 PM
In the past 6 weeks Liverpool have failed to beat Leeds, Fulham, Burnley and Bournemouth.
But ended Sunderland's unbeaten home record last night.
Does that alter their previous results? That was their second league win this year.
Post by: eye digress on February 12, 2026, 09:28:28 PM
If we perform and things go to form against Leedz and the Wulfs, I actually think we'll cruise it and very comfortably secure our place.
And if we can't finish first, we'll just have to come second.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 12, 2026, 09:41:14 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 12, 2026, 09:46:45 PM
If we win them both I think it becomes almost quite hard not to qualify. But my gut feeling is we’re going to need to find some attacking rhythm again and start upping our scoring rate.
Post by: AV82EC on February 12, 2026, 09:50:48 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 12, 2026, 09:56:55 PM
Post by: AV82EC on February 12, 2026, 10:04:41 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 12, 2026, 10:10:42 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 12, 2026, 10:32:17 PM
I think Chelsea have the most difficult run-in and will miss out barring a collapse from us of course!
Hopefully that will do for them, plus I haven't been totally convinced by them. I can see Yanited overtaking us, but Liverpool are probably too far back unless our form really drops off. Fourth it is then, which would still be a fantastic achievement.
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 13, 2026, 06:34:32 AM
So I am not counting any chickens.
Post by: TheToffnar on February 13, 2026, 09:24:13 AM
We really can’t afford too many more injuries as we are already looking pretty vulnerable.
So I am not counting any chickens.
This is my biggest worry. I have every faith that we'll drag ourselves over the line with the current set up, what with SJM and Youri due back at some point, but if we lose Rogers, Onana and/or Luiz for any decent stretch, I think we'll find it exceptionally difficult to find ways to win games. We are in desperate need of playmakers and they're about as good as we have for the moment.
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on February 13, 2026, 09:50:07 AM
Post by: eye digress on February 13, 2026, 11:43:49 AM
But I don't think we're a one-man team.
Post by: TheToffnar on February 13, 2026, 11:50:40 AM
Post by: Mellin on February 13, 2026, 02:59:53 PM
It wouldn't advantage us, for sure.
But I don't think we're a one-man team.
We're not a one man team, but we're not a million miles away from being a one man attack.
Post by: rob_bridge on February 13, 2026, 03:01:05 PM
Nah, 2 x 1-0 grindfests will be fine.
I'll take 6 x 1.0 grindfests to see us Top 4
And another 5 in FA Cup
And another 5 in Europa as long as the other4 are 0.0.
Post by: rob_bridge on February 13, 2026, 03:02:08 PM
It wouldn't advantage us, for sure.
But I don't think we're a one-man team.
We're not a one man team, but we're not a million miles away from being a one man attack.
Correct as teams spend a lot of energy, resource and focus marshalling him.
Post by: eye digress on February 14, 2026, 01:36:25 PM
I usually have a lot of time for him, but don’t think he’s thought this one through - even though his broader thinking (the 5 richest clubs will finish top 5) can’t really be faulted per se.
But he did say something else that I thought interesting, that Villa have been struck down by injuries, and that we don’t have the depth of squad to compete in those circumstances with the Uniteds, Chelseas, Liverpools, etc.
It’s something I hear often, like a short hand, but is it really true?
I mean, if United’s first choice 6 and 8 were out for the season, would they be fielding a better quality pair than Onana and Luiz? If the centre backs were out, would they be fielding better than Lindelhof/Mings? Same questions for other positions, and for Chelsea and Liverpool (a similar question was answered on another thread for goalkeepers yesterday, where the consensus would have had our pair 4th out of the top 6 after City, Arsenal and Liverpool).
Post by: Dick Edwards on February 14, 2026, 01:49:38 PM
Post by: Mellin on February 14, 2026, 03:58:27 PM
We all knew we were fucked when we heard about Kamara and we all knew we were really fucked when we heard about McGinn and Tielemans. The story starts and ends there.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on February 14, 2026, 04:03:54 PM
Post by: Monty on February 14, 2026, 04:05:26 PM
Post by: Skipper_The_Eyechild on February 14, 2026, 05:12:08 PM
Post by: Villan82 on February 14, 2026, 07:35:48 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 14, 2026, 08:11:35 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 15, 2026, 08:03:31 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on February 15, 2026, 08:49:28 AM
There has been more negativity here than in any of the other Emery years, with a lot of snarky digs at our players, yet we sit third in the league. Make it make sense.
I imagine if you checked posts from after the Spurs home game in 23/24 or the Chelsea capitulation in 24/25 you'd see more negativity than at the moment. People are naturally worried because we've lost four out of 12, having only lost two in the previous 19.
Because we got ourselves into such a good position, the concern is amplified because it feels like we're going to blow it. It's the equivalent of being more nervous when someone pulls a goal back to make it 2-1 than if we go one down.
I didn't see last night but it sounds like there is a large mitigating (admittedly self-inflicted) factor to the defeat so I'm not much more concerned than I was before the match, albeit I'm pissed off with another cup season down the tubes.
Post by: Crown Hill on February 15, 2026, 09:18:14 AM
Having said all that he’s right about our squad. Onana and Luiz is proving to be a frightening midfield combination. In effect our attacks are just breaks now that usually miss these two out. Our defence is under enormous pressure because of the lack of cover in front.
Unai will need to find some sort of new system because we can’t play the possession system with this midfield.
Post by: Rigadon on February 15, 2026, 09:24:06 AM
It really was just unforced errors that cost us last night.
Post by: ROBBO on February 15, 2026, 09:24:53 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 15, 2026, 10:10:38 AM
I thought he system was fine until Bizot got sent off. Luiz is an able deputy for Tielemans and Onana is OK as a back up for Kamara. We seem unable to play our normal game when we have a man sent off or the opposition does.against a team with 2/3rds of its normal midfield out.
It really was just unforced errors that cost us last night.
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 15, 2026, 10:13:59 AM
Beat Leeds and the pressure eases just a little.
I think we have to win the next two games.
Post by: manic-road on February 15, 2026, 10:22:33 AM
Post by: brontebilly on February 15, 2026, 10:56:24 AM
Beat Leeds and the pressure eases just a little.
I think we have to win the next two games.
12 games to go to get 15/16 points? Brighton win when playing terribly likely to be key. 4/6 points from next 2 and returning cavalry should get the job done.
As said on another thread, I saw positive signs yesterday. Tammy's best performance by a distance, Luiz very good in first half and Bailey offers a lot more than Sancho on right. They should all start v Leeds and that's what we brought them back for. Rogers on left gave him a bit of a change and he was very good in first half. Lindelof is pushing hard to get into the starting team. Barkley got much needed minutes into him. Throw in some imminent returnees - Cash might be back for Leeds and McGinn for Wolves.
Negatives, Digne, Torres and Buendia of late - their form has dropped off to varying degrees. Onana was appalling v Brighton, ok yesterday in fairness but we need more Newcastle type performances from him in the next two games.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on February 15, 2026, 11:00:25 AM
*Although I’m more optimistic about Sancho. Ah, that’s better.
Post by: exigo on February 15, 2026, 11:10:02 AM
Having a weekend off 7-8 March will help with rest, and hopefully McGinn being available around then should help.
We've now got two clear weekends before the next two rounds of the Europa 1st leg, both away from home. Much as Bizot was stupid, the 4d chess outcome is that we're going to have a rest just at the right time before big games. Advantage Emery.
Post by: Goldenballs on February 15, 2026, 01:36:21 PM
Chelsea and Man Utd 1st and 2nd in the form table over the last 5 games.
Post by: eamonn on February 15, 2026, 01:52:07 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 15, 2026, 02:02:05 PM
Need 6 from the next 2 games, looking at the 2 in the league after that. Massive few weeks.
That would be nice, but four points then 2 points against Yanited and Chelsea would be fine.
Post by: Goldenballs on February 15, 2026, 02:11:47 PM
Need 6 from the next 2 games, looking at the 2 in the league after that. Massive few weeks.
That would be nice, but four points then 2 points against Yanited and Chelsea would be fine.
Yeah I'd take that 100%.
Post by: AV82EC on February 15, 2026, 02:14:45 PM
Is there an updated fixture list anywhere with the Europa games flagged?
Nope, they don’t seem to update the fixtures on the Google/Apple things until after each round.
However, assuming we keep progressing
R16 - 12/3 A 19/3 H
Qtr - 9/4 A 16/4 H
Semi - 30/4 A 7/5 H
Final - 20/5
Post by: luke95 on February 17, 2026, 10:00:03 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on February 17, 2026, 10:07:13 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on February 17, 2026, 10:11:14 PM
Post by: Legion on February 17, 2026, 10:25:29 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on February 18, 2026, 12:03:41 AM
Not unless they finish fifth, which is pretty unlikely. Feasible for Liverpool, I suppose. Same applies if Villa finish fifth and win the Europa, I think.
Sixth, surely?
Post by: cdbearsfan on February 18, 2026, 12:39:20 AM