Champions League Contention

[Chris Harte]

At present, we're 4th in the table. For how much longer we can't be sure.

The team has been misfiring recently, but with the potential for returning squad members, there is the potential to kick on. Whatever happens tomorrow, it won't define our season.

I think part of what I've enjoyed so much about this season is that so many of the players were signed by one of us, Dean Smith. Take away Emi Buendia and Tyrone Mings for obvious reasons and you're still left with Emi Martinez, Matty Cash, Ezri Konza, Douglas Luiz, Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins. Those all have 20+ PL appearances this season, so it's not like they're bit-part players.

[ChicagoLion]

Disagree tomorrow is potentially season defining.

[Nunkin1965]

Well it isn't as there are 14 games left after tomorrow with players returning from injury so I'm not giving up just yet.

[Clampy]

I don't think what happens tomorrow will have too much bearing on the rest do the season. We could win and have no guarantee on how it will all pan out.

[ChicagoLion]

Well it isn't as there are 14 games left after tomorrow with players returning from injury so I'm not giving up just yet.

well done you can count.

[Clampy]

Well it isn't as there are 14 games left after tomorrow with players returning from injury so I'm not giving up just yet.

well done you can count.

What was the point in that? It was a fairly reasonable comment to me. He has a difference of opinion that's all.

[Steve67]

I don't think what happens tomorrow will have too much bearing on the rest do the season. We could win and have no guarantee on how it will all pan out.

You are right Clampy, but I wonder, just because it's them, if we beat them, the confidence and belief might coming flooding back. 

[Risso]

There have been numerous "turning point" games in the past that people still mention today. Stoke under O'Neill being one of them. Tomorrow feels very much like that to me, and hopefully it will be for all the right reasons, ie a 3-0 demolition of the red scum and a buoyant, confident squad as a result.

[Footy-Vill]

The others top 5 matches
Today
Man City v Everton
Spurs v Brighton
Liverpool v Burnley

Sunday
West Ham v Arsenal.

[ChicagoLion]

Well it isn't as there are 14 games left after tomorrow with players returning from injury so I'm not giving up just yet.

well done you can count.

What was the point in that? It was a fairly reasonable comment to me. He has a difference of opinion that's all.

What was the point if I haven’t given up yet?
I haven’t either but tomorrow is crucial.

[RamboandBruno]

I think it feels pivotal tomorrow, because its them and everything nauseating they represent and how they are perceived (Man Utd are BACK bla bla), because if we win, we are relatively miles ahead of them, but most of all because of the last two home performances. The champions league chase has been built around our home form. Two bad defeats, however painful, can be managed and forgotten with a comprehensive win, or any kind of win really tomorrow. A win tomorrow also keeps us in the title hunt nevermind champions league contention.
We lose and in particular if we lose badly again, it starts to look like it could be a wobbly last 3rd of the season.

I just hope the players don’t feel nervous and pressurised and the crowd tomorrow is more like the Arsenal game, with pure raucous emotion, than the nervy energy thats been noticeable in the last two games. I know its open to debate but i do think we have a role tomorrow.

[Sexual Ealing]

I agree with all the above Rambo. I'd just add that we do not win pivotal games.

[Nunkin1965]

Well it isn't as there are 14 games left after tomorrow with players returning from injury so I'm not giving up just yet.

well done you can count.

What was the point in that? It was a fairly reasonable comment to me. He has a difference of opinion that's all.

What was the point if I haven’t given up yet?
I haven’t either but tomorrow is crucial.

Impressive response.
I am pretty good at counting.
14 games left and I'd say that each and every one is pivotal.

[VillaTim]

Disagree tomorrow is potentially season defining.

It is, certainly in terms of staying above ManUre which is fairly critical if we want top 5

[Footy-Vill]

The others top 5 matches
Today
Man City v Everton
Spurs v Brighton
Liverpool v Burnley

Sunday
West Ham v Arsenal.

After Saturday Results

1.Liverpool Pl 24    54pts GD +32
2.Man City Pl 23   52pts GD +31
3.Arsenal Pl 23     49pts GD+25
4.Spurs Pl 24        47pts GD+15
5.Villa Pl 23          46pts GD +19