Champions League Contention

[Behind Bluenose Lines]

Watching us last night against Lille, we looked knackered (not a surprise with a decimated squad and everyone covering for everyone else)! I still have hope but we'll do well to make 4th now: hope Spurs will ve Spursy!

[Baldy]

I do wonder a bit if actually getting champions league this season is a year too soon for us. Probably an unpopular opinion, and I am desperate for us to be there but Newcastle have suffered from that, and a few others before us too.

It could be that another summer of transfers and pre season, along with getting those long term injury absentees back would give us the squad for a more likely top 4 push.

Assuming I'm going to get torn to pieces now

I wondered the same coreyfeldman, things like 'learn to walk before you can run' and 'punching above your weight' have crossed my mind. The natural progression would be Conference League, Europa League and then Champions League.

But we have assembled a fantastic squad, have an elite manager and magnificent owners. We have proven we can compete with the big boys and the sooner we jump in the deep end the better. Sink or swim? With better luck on the injury front we will swim comfortably.

More money, recognition and glory hunters. The big teams crave it.

[Somniloquism]

Just a reminder that next year is one massive league and you only have to finish 24th out of 32 to progress further in Europe, either in the CL or the Europa. And we play 8 teams of varying quality 2 from each seed pot.

[Dave]

Those stats bods on Twitter suggest that even with the results from this week, England is still marginally favourite:

To secure extra Champions League spot:

🇮🇹 Italy - 99.8%

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England - 57.8%

🇩🇪 Germany - 41.8%

[OCD]

That's quite a drop from the 87% or whatever it was. We're probably going to need the Oil Sheiks to win the Champions League.

[Somniloquism]

That's quite a drop from the 87% or whatever it was. We're probably going to need the Oil Sheiks to win the Champions League.

Liverpool probably have a massive part in that drop due to the size of the defeat. And Bayern and Dortmund both play at home next leg as well. TBH, this next set of games is definitely the make / break of the extra CL spot. But City playing at home next and us winning has probably kept the slight favourite percentage in favour of England

[Ads]

The Kopites will turn it round. More jam than Hartleys, which for once, would be nice.

[OCD]

Can't see them turning a 0-3 home defeat around.

[PeterWithesShin]

It could all come down to Arsenal and Atl Madrid.

[JUAN PABLO]

I reckon asenal will win in Munich.

[OCD]

Hopefully Hermoso has a blinder for Atletico.

[Somniloquism]

Can't see them turning a 0-3 home defeat around.

It depends. Liverpool had more ball, way more shots etc. But they were also relying on Nunez to do the finishing who seems to have the consistency of wet cement. I expect him to put out a lot stronger side, plus it looks like Alexander-Arnold is back (he was on the bench last night, probably to ease on when they thought they would be winning). He can be a match winner or a match loser but they are arguably going to score with him on the pitch. And with Robertson on the other side......

[Rigadon]

It could all come down to Arsenal and Atl Madrid.

It will.  And I can see them both winning.

[Footy-Vill]

Just a reminder that next year is one massive league and you only have to finish 24th out of 32 to progress further in Europe, either in the CL or the Europa. And we play 8 teams of varying quality 2 from each seed pot.

Even more fascinating and exciting to get into the Champions League!

[Footy-Vill]

Can't see them turning a 0-3 home defeat around.

It depends. Liverpool had more ball, way more shots etc. But they were also relying on Nunez to do the finishing who seems to have the consistency of wet cement. I expect him to put out a lot stronger side, plus it looks like Alexander-Arnold is back (he was on the bench last night, probably to ease on when they thought they would be winning). He can be a match winner or a match loser but they are arguably going to score with him on the pitch. And with Robertson on the other side......

Well I would theorise that Liverpool are focusing on the league.
It's funny how it was termed  their 'worst performance under Klopp'  just after the announcement of Aston Villa v Liverpool being scheduled for Monday after the semi finals of Europe