Blue Maverick
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- 6 Aug 2010
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If we had been in the normal group format we would’ve had 8 points, so probably been in europa league now!
Plus (and unlike the Premier League) the best team doesn't always win it.They have achieved exactly what they wanted with the new format, but at the end of the day when it get's to the nitty gritty is when it's more important, we (hopefully) will be in it, even though an extra few games required to get to the serious stuff.
Plenty are saying forget it, better out blah blah, but come on, let's be serious, we might get a favourable draw and go on and win the whole thing......................sorry I did say let's be serious :)
Plus (and unlike the Premier League) the best team doesn't always win it.
If we beat bruges we are definitely into the play offs.If we beat Bruges (big if I know, obviously) don’t see how we don’t qualify. We are 25th at present so need to move up one place. A win takes us above Bruges on goal difference, on 11, whilst Stuttgart play PSG with them both being on 10 at present. They both can’t win and a draw also takes us above both on the old goal difference. Might be time to back us at 10/1 to go full Real Madrid
It will in absolute terms, but our inclusion has been known since we won the CL and the club will have already decided where the extra income would go.CWC will soften the blow financially.
If we beat bruges we are definitely into the play offs.
Problem 1 - we may well not do and only a win will suffice.
Problem 2 - we could end up with a very good team in the play offs.
If we beat Bruges are we 100% in play offs?
But do we want to? Players are absolutely knackered and I think the last thing we need is 2 more games against quality opposition. Out clear focus should be somehow making the top 4 of the prem and start fresh next season.Now you've gone and gotten me excited.
5 wins in 19 games and 4 of those against opposition from the bottom half of the prem and Salford City, I would relish playing us right now!Problem 3 - nobody will want to be drawn against us
Fair point but we've got a bit of a squad refresh now and there has been signs of improvement, let's hope our new players are straight in the team and add some impetus, I'd still like to see a midfielder with "legs" Bernie, Kova and Gundo just don't have the energy and I don't think Mcatee is good enough.5 wins in 19 games and 4 of those against opposition from the bottom half of the prem and Salford City, I would relish playing us right now!
Yes we want to. Reinforcements are coming and instead of challenging for titles and cups we need to draw on our experience of doing that to challenge for top 4 and get as far as we can in the knockout competitions. Different results but same mindset. Throwing games is not for us.But do we want to? Players are absolutely knackered and I think the last thing we need is 2 more games against quality opposition. Out clear focus should be somehow making the top 4 of the prem and start fresh next season.
It will in absolute terms, but our inclusion has been known since we won the CL and the club will have already decided where the extra income would go.
The CWC will also mean the players have had yet another summer without significant rest.
Stuttgart and PSG would go through with a draw, looks set up for a gentlemans agreement that game...Celtic in 18th and above are all guaranteed progression now. Psv would need psg v stuttgart to draw, sporting, benfica and us to all win and psv to lose by 5 or more to go out, so they're all but through. Similarly, Brugge would have to lose to us and the same results as above for them to go out too.
In all probability, that leaves 4 teams currently in the play offs in jeopardy and 3 teams that could sneak in last game.
Shaktar could technically still progress but they'd need a 6-8 goal swing with a team on 10 points to go through plus us and zagreb to lose or a second or third 6-8 goal swing if either or both of us and zagreb win. So almost certainly out.
Zagreb need a win at AC milan and a win either way in the psg game or one of sporting/benfica to lose to progress and we just need a win.
On paper, you'd expect sporting to beat Bologna who have nothing to play for and secure their place. Benfica is in danger, they have to go to Juve last game. Juve are qualified but they'll likely want a win to improve their play off standings. the psg v stuttgart game is very possibly going to be a winner takes all game if we do our job, psg can play for a draw as that guarantees them qualification, stuttgart will have to go for the win.
If we do win, it is likely we won't finish 24th or even 23rd but 21st or 22nd instead and therefore move into the bracket that plays 11th/12th as we would be guaranteed to finish above at least one of stuttgart and psg, and potentially both if they draw, then brugge would be guaranteed too, then its fairly likely psv seeing as they have to play the dippers and possibly benfica.