The Title Race - 2024/25

[Manchester_lalala]

I’ve just looked at our upcoming fixtures and the international break is well timed. Brighton next week is a must win as the games after that are proper tough and we could be a good few points behind Liverpool.

 

[Lovebitesandeveryfing]

Which gives me confidence. There are no standout teams this year but a lot of good, competitive ones behind the three favourites like Brighton, Villa, Chelsea, Newcastle and Forest. A lot of points will be dropped. You may be able to lose six and still win it. Like the good ol' days before Pep came along and ripped up the rules.

Oh, surely.
I've just calculated it: at this point, ten games in, last season, we had 24 points. Today we have 23. Not exactly an apocalyptic difference. We had played no-one very major at that point, either, other than Arsenal at the Emirates. You could say it's comparable this year, since we've played neither of the Liverpool games, and only Arsenal at the Etihad. Although those three points at Chelsea are starting to look precious. And the point at St. James's Park is starting to look better than it did. And we had nothing like the injury situation last year that we have at this point. Nobody whatsoever's playing vintage football, that much is certain, certainly not us, but no more are Liverpool and Arsenal. It's still very much open.
The worrying part is the long-term injuries, Bobb and Rodri, and just the general fatigue that is leading to niggling injuries for many players, I'm convinced of it. But it's anybody's title. (I do not see the likes of Forest, Villa or indeed Chelsea being serious challengers).

 

[Gone for a Burton]

In the last four years, we've won the FA Cup, Champions League, PLs x4 plus multiple semi finals and Charity Shields along with European Club and World Club Champions.



Additionally, we've had more players on international duty than any other team in Europe.

Is it any wonder we've hit a bit of a dip with players suffering long and short term injuries, fatigue and illness.

They are utterly shagged and until we have a full squad of fit, conditioned and in form players results and performances will be patchy.

Pep should request that none of his players are called up for internationals and if they are withdraw them.

Just now it's Club before country for everyone !!

 

[Gone for a Burton]

Yes, I've been noticing that, too. Is it that unreasonable to expect professional footballers of any level, never mind being among the very best in the world, to get that few shots on target so as to at least make the keeper work? Bournemouth certainly didn't have that problem. A reasonable proportion, it seems to me, would be around about one-third of all your shots being under the bar and between the two posts.
Mind you, at half-time today we had had no shots either on or off target. And that, to me, is the sign of a mentally tired team.

...plus a labouring Erling who's work rate and movement has been only so so.

It's at times like this that a quality second striker becomes valuable and necessary !!

 

[brummie blue]

Just now it's Club before country for everyone !!

This and only this! We do everything to stop players going on international duty for these meaningless nations league games.

 

[Stoned Rose]

But the bastards will always score, they seem to regularly go behind, but have a number of players capable of getting the goals they need. Having said that, according to my dipper mate at work, ST holder, they haven’t been playing well this season.

They’ve got numerous goal scorers/game winners.

Ours, bar meat shield, are all injured.

 

[uwe rosler 28]

We obviously look very suspect in defence this season so I'd like us to go to a quick attacking style the last 2 games when chasing and playing fast attacking football we have looked miles better.

Ederson

Akanji
Dias
Stones
Gvardiol

Kovacic
Foden
Bernardo

Savio
Haaland
Nunes

When all fit.

 

[Charlesfarsbar]

If only we still had the Argentinian Neil Maupay …….

He was apparently shite according to some

 

[Bluewonder]

If only we still had the Argentinian Neil Maupay …….

He was apparently shite according to some

He has 3 goals in 10 La Liga games. If a club offers you £80m for that level of goalscoring ability, you take it.

 

[IrishBlueSince92]

Liverpool gonna win it by process of elimination it seems.

We're winning nothing without Rodri I don't think sadly.

Arsenal's form is shite and they're a good bit back already.

Liverpool following on from where they were for a stage of last season, giving up chances, getting away with it and when they score one you just know they're going to win.

Sadly they look like the most likely winners at the minute