Will we qualify for the CL?

[Mellin]

I think we're short up top and out wide on both flanks. The back 7 and number 10 are top four. I've seen better Villa teams come up short and think this one will too.

I'm going seventh. Might win the Europa. Grealish on loan and a centre forward would've probably tipped the balance.

[Villafirst]

The January transfer window will be crucial, like last season.

[Somniloquism]

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.

[Dave]

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?

[Nunkin1965]

I think, as is always the case, injuries will have a massive say in the outcome, but we'll go mighty close again.

I think we'll win the Europa League anyway!

[Dave]

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.

[ChicagoLion]

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.

[OCD]

I wouldn't say Chelsea are guaranteed a spot and if we win the Europa League, it doesn't matter where we finish.

[Dave]

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.

[eamonn]

Along with Porto, I think one of the French teams might be our main challengers. Roma look all over the shop at the moment.

[Dave]

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".

[Drummond]

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.

[Smithy]

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)

[Meanwood Villa]

I might be bullish but I'm not crazy enough to predict winning a trophy

[Meanwood Villa]

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?