Champions League Contention

[Somniloquism]

Are they stronger then West Ham and Arsenal? Arguably only the one is and they still struggled last round. But if they do, then we would probably need Citeh, Liverpool and us to all win our respective competitions.

[Percy McCarthy]

I think Atletico Madrid will beat Dortmund, which would be good. I think West Ham are underdogs, and us, Man City and Arsenal are in the balance. I’m scared Liverpool will junk the Europa to concentrate on the league. I’m just hoping for decisive, positive first legs in our favour, or otherwise have everything crossed that we’ll be able to relax after the 18th.

[Dave P]

The reason England is in a strong position is that all three major European competitions are 'likely' to be won by English clubs.  Man City (UCL), Liverpool (UEL) and us (UECL).  The reason why Arsenal and West Ham winning their QFs would be good, is that it would tie up our coefficient sooner, meaning we would have the luxury of securing 5th knowing it'll be enough and we can concentrate on the cup.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

I'd be surprised if Man City get through the quarter finals. I fancy Arsenal's chances to beat Bayern more than Man City beating Real Madrid.

[Monty]

I'd be surprised if Man City get through the quarter finals. I fancy Arsenal's chances to beat Bayern more than Man City beating Real Madrid.

I think they're about equal to be honest.

[LeeB]

I'd be surprised if Man City get through the quarter finals. I fancy Arsenal's chances to beat Bayern more than Man City beating Real Madrid.

I think they're about equal to be honest.

The last couple of times Citeh have faced Real they were very unlucky and sucker punched (which was very funny mind), and then last season they just brushed them aside with ease.

[Monty]

I'd be surprised if Man City get through the quarter finals. I fancy Arsenal's chances to beat Bayern more than Man City beating Real Madrid.

I think they're about equal to be honest.

The last couple of times Citeh have faced Real they were very unlucky and sucker punched (which was very funny mind), and then last season they just brushed them aside with ease.

But they are a bit depleted and Madrid are in form, and Bellingham is different gravy.

[Demitri_C]

If we dont get at least top 5 now honestly we might as well give up. This literally is the best opportunity we will ever get.

I think city madrid goes either way.

I think arsenal wont beat munich and west ham certainly wont beat Leverkusen

So its down to us liverpool and citeh

[eamonn]

How are we so adrift of Italy in the co-efficient thing? None of their teams are favourites for the European competitions, are they?

[LeeB]

I'd be surprised if Man City get through the quarter finals. I fancy Arsenal's chances to beat Bayern more than Man City beating Real Madrid.

I think they're about equal to be honest.

The last couple of times Citeh have faced Real they were very unlucky and sucker punched (which was very funny mind), and then last season they just brushed them aside with ease.

But they are a bit depleted and Madrid are in form, and Bellingham is different gravy.

There is that, but he'll have his work cut out against Rodri. I also think Arsenal will batter Munich.

[AV82EC]

How are we so adrift of Italy in the co-efficient thing? None of their teams are favourites for the European competitions, are they?

Because up until the last round virtually all their teams qualified for knockouts so were picking up points. We’re being hamstrung by ManYoo and Newcastle being utter shit in the CL and Brighton fucking it up away at Roma.

[Dave]

How are we so adrift of Italy in the co-efficient thing? None of their teams are favourites for the European competitions, are they?

Just quantity of teams playing and qualifying. Three of four teams going through in the Champions (compared to our two of four), three of three teams getting to the Europa quarter-finals (compared to our two of three) and Fiorentina joining us in the Conference League.

So they probably won't win any of the competitions, but they're still in them - so by winning the matches to stay in has built up a score that will be difficult to overtake.

It was funny at the time, but if Man Utd or Newcastle had finished third in their groups instead of bottom, fifth = Champions League would probably have been sewn up by now.

[MplsVilla]

In terms of 5th place, I remain optimistic.
Man City are favourites to win the ECL and even favourites to win at the Bernabeu.
Arsenal are slight favourites to beat Bayern over 2 legs
West Ham are quite big underdogs against Leverkeusen, but then the winners play AC Milan/Roma
Liverpool are big favourites for the Europe League with Atalanta and then Benfica/Marseille
We are favourites to beat Lille and still outright favourites despite having a tougher draw

If the bookmakers are right there will be 3 English teams in finals and only 2 from Italy and Germany combined.

[Dave]

In terms of 5th place, I remain optimistic.
Man City are favourites to win the ECL and even favourites to win at the Bernabeu.
Arsenal are slight favourites to beat Bayern over 2 legs
West Ham are quite big underdogs against Leverkeusen, but then the winners play AC Milan/Roma
Liverpool are big favourites for the Europe League with Atalanta and then Benfica/Marseille
We are favourites to beat Lille and still outright favourites despite having a tougher draw

If the bookmakers are right there will be 3 English teams in finals and only 2 from Italy and Germany combined.

Agreed. My gut feeling is that as long as one of Arsenal or West Ham get through then it'll be fine.

[PaulWinch again]

Yes although West Ham getting through seems pretty unlikely.