Champions League Contention

[Risso]

Erm, not really. In terms of extra games it doesn’t really matter what competition it is, surely? Champions League, please. As Champions, naturally.

The level of opposition would dictate how much rotation we can have between league and midweek games. Liverpool, for example, made 11 changes to their starting lineup for their first Europa game this season. They wouldn't have done that if they'd been in Newcastle's group in the CL.

Obviously we'd have to navigate the summer transfer window with the knowledge that that's where we're playing next season, and Emery has lots of experience in that respect, unlike Howe, for example. So I wouldn't be worried if we get CL, I'm just wondering how big a step it really is.

I think you've answered your own question there. We've got a first team good enough to compete for the top places now, and the squad and our replacements are doing well in the Conference League. If we do qualify for the Champions League, then I expect Emery and Monchi etc to plan accordingly and make sure the squad is as ready as possible, starting this January. Also not forgetting that we'll hopefully have Mings and Buendia back for next season. With everybody fit, our squad (definite possible first teamers) is:

Martinez
Cash
Mings
Konsa
Carlos
Torres
Digne
Moreno
Kamara
Tielemans
Luiz
McGinn
Ramsey
Bailey
Watkins
Diaby
Buendia

And that's without the likes of Duran, Zaniolo, Iroegbunam or any of the other kids. A decent option at right back, a forward to rival Bailey/Diaby/Watkins and we're in pretty good shape I'd argue.

[AV84]

Since some people don't like the optimisim how about this, does anyone think we'd be better off in the Europa League next season and build towards Champions League?

Will be harder to keep Martinez, Kamara, Luiz etc in that scenario. Esp if we have been in contention for most of the season and miss out.

Fifth this year potentially gets CL football. We have to go for it.

That's a good point. Hadn't thought of it that way. Europa is a step up from where we are now but another season of trying vs moving to a club that can offer CL immediately would make a difference.

[Risso]

You never know, make Champions League and Douglas Luiz might stay!

[mike]

Mods please can you tell them ! Champions League discussion!
Like it's been said let's focus on that
Please stop tormenting me. I've said it twice tonight reported tand just can't take it anymore

if you were from Birmingham, you'd realise that pessimism is our default. Opening a thread about future success is just not going to fly.
Cultural awareness is important ...
... That's my insight on this.

I would also attribute some neurodiversity issues to Footy's communication style. I don't think he can communicate or read social signals the way most people do. If he did, he'd have stopped posting here a long time ago. So, as the father of a 'special' boy, I'd just say go easy on him, he means no harm. And he loves the Villa.

This is quite clearly what is going on here and has been obvious for years now. Treatment of him is quite distasteful to be honest.

How would you treat someone in person who struggles with societal norms? With a pile on?

Absolutely not, they'd be treated with some sympathy and a lot of respect.

The problem is, how are you supposed to tell that on an internet forum and not just see it as a wind up? Genuine question and i'm not trying to be an arse about such matters but you say that it's 'quite clearly what is going on here'. I'm very sure that all those that lose patience with him don't currently see it that way, because if they did they would treat him a lot differently.

Well, there are signs I’ve picked up but then I have my very own version of him at home so I would. Sadly, failing to understand social norms means that even when people genuinely try to engage, the response they get will often be something different to what they might expect or hope for. No one expects a football forum to be full of fluffy people who recognise and understand neurodiversity but the guy is clearly eccentric and aside from some of his ill judged sexist remarks, basically harmless so a bit of tolerance is needed. My lad is a really sweet boy but he will also say things that leave your jaw hanging and genuinely have no idea what he’s said wrong. That works well with his sister!!

[Footy-Vill]

Back on Champions League Topic .
At the start of the season, the overwhelming focus in the media was on Liverpool regaining their place in the Champions League positions. There was little to no expectation of Aston Villa's doing so by most football pundits

At the start of the season of 27 BBC Pundits only Ellen White and Stephen Warnock both tipped Villa to finish in the Champions League 4th Position.

[Footy-Vill]

Season Predictions from various pundits/ ex players:
Owen Hargreaves didn't see us in the top 4.
Paul Merson, Michael Dawson,Clinton Morrison all had us not to finish in the top 5

Pundits tip for 4th :
Dion Dublin, Sutton, Ferdinand, Merson, Dawson: Liverpool
Richards, Keown, Crouch, Murphy, Morrison: Man Utd
Given: Newcastle

5th & 6th
Carragher: Chelsea & Newcastle
Neville: Chelsea & Villa

Michael Owen: Villa to finish 6th
Jamie Carragher: Villa not to finish top 6
Chris Sutton: Villa's target to crack the top six but the top four is too big a step for them.

Robbie Savage: 7th
Villa are not going to win the title, but they could rattle the top six.

Darren Bent: 7th
Villa is the team to watch.  I’m not saying they’re going to win the league because I don’t think they will but I think they’ll be a lot closer to Europe. Maybe even push on for the Champions League, so I’d probably say Villa are my outside bet.

Martin O’Neill said:
"When I managed the side it was my ambition to get in the Champions League, and we failed. At this moment, why not this year? Their home record is really important and it is fantastic.”

[Clark W Griswold]

Cheers Mike, interesting info on the subject.

If there are genuine issues along those lines with Footy then i do agree that this should be considered and there should be more tolerance.

[coreyfeldman]

People can also chose to just ignore footy, it's not all that difficult to do

[GordonCowansisthegreatest]

Providing he's not being quoted all the time!

[Jon Crofts]

People can also chose to just ignore footy, it's not all that difficult to do

People can also choose to adapt their own style and behaviour to other peoples needs just as we do in work and life.

[rougegorge]

People can also chose to just ignore footy, it's not all that difficult to do

People can also choose to adapt their own style and behaviour to other peoples needs just as we do in work and life.

Yes I agree. Forums like this are faceless and also context, intonation etc. cannot always easily be gauged. Our own self-awareness plays a part, and as long as someone is not being abusive or discriminatory, having awareness and tolerance of them is really important.

[dave.woodhall]

It's never too early for success. There was talk last season about how we weren't ready for Europe and our league form would suffer. That hasn't exactly happened.

[coreyfeldman]

People can also chose to just ignore footy, it's not all that difficult to do

People can also choose to adapt their own style and behaviour to other peoples needs just as we do in work and life.

But you're not at work, you're choosing to read an online forum. It's also pretty clear that footy isn't going to change, so make your peace other ways would be my suggestion. He's not offensive so don't worry about it

[Gareth]

It's never too early for success. There was talk last season about how we weren't ready for Europe and our league form would suffer. That hasn't exactly happened.

Exactly this, let’s take Champions League and the associated revenues that come with it

[Clark W Griswold]

I think as pointed out before the home games against Man City and Arsenal will be a good gauge, 2 draws or a win and a loss would be fine, and would keep us in there. Saying that our home form would suggest more perhaps but i'd take it all the same.

I think given the choice between winning the conference (and therefore qualifying for Europa) but finishing outside the CL places, or not winning it but finishing 4th or 5th for Champions League, i'd take the former.