4th Place

[JackBuddy]

Who do you guys reckon will get it?

If Spurs had Lennon back and a decent penalty taker I woulda said that we would have a good shout. We've won 2 of our 7 games since he has been injured, says alot. We'll get nowhere if Harry opts for Crouch over Pav every game too.

Villa are a good shout but seem to crumble in the latter stages of the season (they're showing signs of that already?). They can't play counter-attacking football every game of the season lol

Liverpool... who knows what they can do... they're different every week.

City... like the other 3 inconsistent and like Spurs they seem to struggle to break down smaller teams sometimes. Plus they don't look as powerful without Tevez... but he'll be back soon.

Aren't UEFA changing the way the CL qualification teams are drawn? So basically if Villa, City or Spurs get 4th spot they'll face a pretty tough team under the new rules... I think. Liverpool will be fine though 'cos they'll be ranked higher than the other three.

When push comes to shove my money is on Liverpool.... depending if Torres can stay fit.

[Jibbish]

I reckon Liverpool will get it, once they get a win they will go on a good run.
Villa, Tottenham, Manchester City all in my opinion are too inconsistent.

But on paper Villa should get it, as we have the easiest run out of the lot. Only have to play Manchester City & Chelsea left out of the big clubs. The rest of them are very beatable. But then again we have never won a game in march under Martin O'Neil.

So I don't know, this could come down to the last day of the season and goal difference may decided it. As there is only 1 point seperating the contenders and Manchester City and Villa have a game in hand.

[AlexOC]

If we take 4 or more points away from Chelski and Tottingham, our next two league games, i think we would build up a bit of momentum and grab it.

[JackBuddy]

I just annoys me that:
2 losses to Wolves,
A last minute Stoke winner,
ann unstoppable Hull goalkeeper,
last minute Birmingham equaliser,
last min penalty miss against Everton have all hindered our chances of getting 4th place.
That's about 12 points lost from games that should have been dead and buried.

[CHA!NGANG]

I'd say City or Liverpool. If I'm honest I can't see Spurs or Villa doing it.

Liverpool will need to pick up some form but I can see them doing it and City just aren't clicking at the moment although I hope they beat Chelsea.

[AlexOC]

I don't think our remaining games are too hard..

I think we could win the majority

Chelsea D
Tottenham Hotspur W
Sunderland W
Fulham W
Wigan Athletic W
Burnley W
Birmingham City W
Manchester United L
Arsenal D
Aston Villa W
West Ham United W

That's what i think City are capable of, killed me to put Loss next to United but if we continue to play how we are they will overturn us.

[JackBuddy]

I don't think our remaining games are too hard..

I think we could win the majority

Chelsea D
Tottenham Hotspur W
Sunderland W
Fulham W
Wigan Athletic W
Burnley W
Birmingham City W
Manchester United L
Arsenal D
Aston Villa W
West Ham United W

That's what i think City are capable of, killed me to put Loss next to United but if we continue to play how we are they will overturn us.

Hm, think some of those are slighlty optimistic! Fulham and Burnley could be difficult (if they're away).

[Jibbish]

Man City v Villa, would be a crucial game for either team

[AlexOC]

Hm, think some of those are slighlty optimistic! Fulham and Burnley could be difficult (if they're away).

That's what we are capable of, although we will probably crumble and just draw every game with that italian turd playing 4 - 5 - 1 every game and demanding we put a longball up for ade every minute of the game.

[Browney]

Who do you guys reckon will get it?

If Spurs had Lennon back and a decent penalty taker I woulda said that we would have a good shout. We've won 2 of our 7 games since he has been injured, says alot. We'll get nowhere if Harry opts for Crouch over Pav every game too.

Villa are a good shout but seem to crumble in the latter stages of the season (they're showing signs of that already?). They can't play counter-attacking football every game of the season lol

Liverpool... who knows what they can do... they're different every week.

City... like the other 3 inconsistent and like Spurs they seem to struggle to break down smaller teams sometimes. Plus they don't look as powerful without Tevez... but he'll be back soon.

Aren't UEFA changing the way the CL qualification teams are drawn? So basically if Villa, City or Spurs get 4th spot they'll face a pretty tough team under the new rules... I think. Liverpool will be fine though 'cos they'll be ranked higher than the other three.

When push comes to shove my money is on Liverpool.... depending if Torres can stay fit.

Villa always score from set pieces.

The safe money is on City.

[Adamm]

Using the BBC Sport Predictor, I came up with this:

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/6695/bbcpredictor.png

Not sure what to make of it to be honest. I reckon relegation is pretty spot on but Everton :S. Didn't think I gave them generous results either...

[AlexOC]

Using the BBC Sport Predictor, I came up with this:

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/6695/bbcpredictor.png

Not sure what to make of it to be honest. I reckon relegation is pretty spot on but Everton :S. Didn't think I gave them generous results either...

Ugh that's miles off

[Adamm]

Completely unbiased opinion there.

[Jack.Lfc]

Villa.

[Bun]

villa to be honest. spurs are too inconsistent, liverpool are lol, and despite city having a lot of quality, aren't showing it.


would be nice for villa with all the english contingent they have.

[Adamm]

villa to be honest. spurs are too inconsistent, liverpool are lol, and despite city having a lot of quality, aren't showing it.


would be nice for villa with all the english contingent they have.
Aye, the wonderfully British name of Gabriel Agbonlahor. Not Smith, Agbonlahor.

[AlexOC]

I think multicultural is the way to go. Villa are livin in the past.

[Jibbish]

Aye, the wonderfully British name of Gabriel Agbonlahor. Not Smith, Agbonlahor.
his father was nigerian and his mother was scottish lol.

[Geraint]

Liverpool. Played so bad and now their players are coming back.

[AlexOC]

Torres is ours now.

[Arron]

I don't think our remaining games are too hard..

I think we could win the majority

Chelsea D
Tottenham Hotspur W
Sunderland W
Fulham W
Wigan Athletic W
Burnley W
Birmingham City W
Manchester United L
Arsenal D
Aston Villa W
West Ham United W

That's what i think City are capable of, killed me to put Loss next to United but if we continue to play how we are they will overturn us.

I like how you said you'll lose to us, but truthfully, you'll win that on your turf (:

If Man City won on Sunday, they would've been the team most likely to finish 4th. I think they still have a game in hand, not sure.

Liverpool still have to play Chelsea at anfield and us at home, which are two toughies.

Aston Villa - they crumble towards the end of the season, especially in March like Jibbish said.

Tottenham, not sure about them.

I'd like a new top 4, so out of the lot, I'd much prefer City.

[AlexOC]

I like how you said you'll lose to us, but truthfully, you'll win that on your turf (:

If Man City won on Sunday, they would've been the team most likely to finish 4th. I think they still have a game in hand, not sure.

Liverpool still have to play Chelsea at anfield and us at home, which are two toughies.

Aston Villa - they crumble towards the end of the season, especially in March like Jibbish said.

Tottenham, not sure about them.

I'd like a new top 4, so out of the lot, I'd much prefer City.

We have beat you at the stadium of amazingness in the 1leg of CC, i don't think we'll win again.

[Arron]

We have beat you at the stadium of amazingness in the 1leg of CC, i don't think we'll win again.

if Tevez is playing you'll win.
i think he would still like to make a statement to Sir Alex.
You got the home support too.
when do we play you?

[AlexOC]

17 April

[Tash.]

My loyalty sticks with Liverpool, my head however says Spurs. I don't want to imagine anyone but Liverpool getting it, but Spurs are a good team when they have everyone. Hopefully now Torres and Benayoun are back we'll be better.

@Alex, hope that was a joke. Torres won't go to Man City, if anything he'll go abroad.

[CHA!NGANG]

My loyalty sticks with Liverpool, my head however says Spurs. I don't want to imagine anyone but Liverpool getting it, but Spurs are a good team when they have everyone. Hopefully now Torres and Benayoun are back we'll be better.

@Alex, hope that was a joke. Torres won't go to Man City, if anything he'll go abroad.

No he won't ;)

[Black_Apalachi]

As my status says, I just wish I shared Alan Hansen's optimism (and half the people in this thread by the looks of it) :D To put it plainly though; out of all the contenders we're in the worst position. City have always had the game in hand and are still a point ahead. If we'd done better against them then I would be more hopeful. I was really hoping to beat both City and Arsenal :(


... Liverpool still have to play Chelsea at anfield and us at home, which are two toughies. ...

HAHAHAHA :L

[StefanWolves]

I think City or Villa will get it, really, really, hope Villa or Spurs get it though.

[AlexOC]

I think City or Villa will get it, really, really, hope Villa or Spurs get it though.

Well thats not nice is it.

[StefanWolves]

I don't think City are ready, yeah I've said that I think they will get 4th, and they probably will, but I don't think you'll be ready till next year, with more players, you could even challenge for the CL.

[Browney]

I hope Villa get it, but I don't think they will. Just 'cause Villa have an English core about them and it'll be nice to prove that top football clubs can play with Englishmen *cough*Arsene.

[StefanWolves]

I agree, and IMO Villa have the best manage in the league...

[leah]

I think Liverpool might get it back just in time or man city, one of those!

[CHA!NGANG]

I hope Villa get it, but I don't think they will. Just 'cause Villa have an English core about them and it'll be nice to prove that top football clubs can play with Englishmen *cough*Arsene.

And do you think that they'll get far in the CL? :P

Without our Big team buying lots of foreign players, this league would be nothing. The English first team is good and the players in it all belong to top clubs, however, past that there are only a few players that would get far in the CL. Spain however, for example, have a huge squad and post there first XI, they have probably another team worth of players that can do well in the CL which is why the big clubs in Spain all have homegrown and Spanish players. If you want the English Clubs to go far in the CL and be the best club in the world then the top teams need to have a lot of foreign players, because the English players at the moment don't cut it at the highest level in my opinion. I know plenty of people will disagree and fair enough but that's what I think anyway.

[StefanWolves]

i wish ud stop being so diplomatic ...

yh... gerrard, lamps, terry, rooney, cole ... they don't cut it atm do they??? but that play for one of the 5 biggest clubs in the world? you make absolutely no sense.

[Browney]

And do you think that they'll get far in the CL? :P

If they finish 4th in one of the best leagues in the world, they must have something about them. ;) This season is a massive one in terms of the league. We have 8 Europe worthy-teams vying for 6 European spots. How teams finish this season will seal the fate of the 8 teams. For example, lets say the top 6 are:
Chelsea
Manchester United
Arsenal
City
Villa
Spurs
(THIS IS NOT MY PREDICTION FOR THE LEAGUE.)

But now, Liverpool and Everton finish out of Europe. The best players from those clubs will be hunted after. Torres will want to play in Europe and City are willing to pay. Arsenal could do with a strong CDM, Fellaini might suit. Then clubs will settle, and monotony will resume!

[CHA!NGANG]

i wish ud stop being so diplomatic ...

yh... gerrard, lamps, terry, rooney, cole ... they don't cut it atm do they??? but that play for one of the 5 biggest clubs in the world? you make absolutely no sense.

II said that beyond the First XI for England there aren't many players that are CL winning worthy which is why big clubs buy lots of foreign players so that they have a chance of winning. In countries like Spain, they don't need to buy lots of foreign players, as even past the Spain first XI, they probably have enother 11 players that are all CL winning players. All those players that you said are in the England First XI so it's you that makes no sense. Maybe you should read my post next time ;)

Also, Finishing 4th every few seasons doesn't prove anything. Atletico Madrid finished 4th last season and are in the bottom half of La Liga now and out of the CL. Until Villa, Spurs or City finish in the top 4 for 3-4 seasons I don't think they can have a big impact on the CL personally.

[Arron]

HAHAHAHA :L

oh come on, i dont think it'll be another 1-4 defeat :(

[Jibbish]

II said that beyond the First XI for England there aren't many players that are CL winning worthy which is why big clubs buy lots of foreign players so that they have a chance of winning. In countries like Spain, they don't need to buy lots of foreign players, as even past the Spain first XI, they probably have enother 11 players that are all CL winning players. All those players that you said are in the England First XI so it's you that makes no sense. Maybe you should read my post next time ;)

Also, Finishing 4th every few seasons doesn't prove anything. Atletico Madrid finished 4th last season and are in the bottom half of La Liga now and out of the CL. Until Villa, Spurs or City finish in the top 4 for 3-4 seasons I don't think they can have a big impact on the CL personally.
what will you do when villa win the champions league next year? aha :8

[CHA!NGANG]

what will you do when villa win the europa league next year? aha :8

That's more like it ;)

[brandon]

Liverpool everytime, Arsenal have 3rd pretty much sown up and I can't see the so called 'big four' being broken up this season.

[CHA!NGANG]

Oh and btw just to clear things up I do think that we need more English players yes but who's available that would make our first team :eusa_doh:

[Browney]

James Milner, Owen Hargreaves, Defoe arguably Ashley Young could all do a job in the CL. Fair point there aren't 11 players in back-up, but who would Spain's second 11 be?

[CHA!NGANG]

Riena, Lopez, Valdez, Albiol, Navas, Mata, Fabregas, Senna, Arbeloa, Negredo, Riera, Busquets, Reyes, Joaquin, Vicente, Pedro.

They all play in the CL already or should do in the case of Mata, Lopez, Senna e/c/t and yeah I know some are debatable.

Oh and Owen Hargreaves doesn't count as he already plays for United.

[Jibbish]

That's more like it ;)
we wont even win that tbh

[Browney]

Riena, Lopez, Valdez, Albiol, Navas, Mata, Fabregas, Senna, Arbeloa, Negredo, Riera, Busquets, Reyes, Joaquin, Vicente.

They all play in the CL already or should do in the case of Mata, Lopez, Senna e/c/t.

Oh and Owen Hargreaves doesn't count as he already plays for United.

Eh? You've proved my point he's clearly CL standard due to the fact he's at United but he doesn't start for England. And ohhh is that what we're deciding on? Ok cool, Wes Brown, Walcott and Joe Cole are all involved!

[CHA!NGANG]

Eh? You've proved my point he's clearly CL standard due to the fact he's at United but he doesn't start for England. And ohhh is that what we're deciding on? Ok cool, Wes Brown, Walcott and Joe Cole are all involved!

He would start for England if he was fit instead of Barry. And I would include Joe Cole in the starting England line-up to be honest.

Also bar the last 3 that I stated and maybe Busquets which fair enough don't really count, the rest would all start for there club during the CL and even without those 4 it's 11 players. Wes Brown and Walcott wouldn't start for United and Arsenal with a fit squad.

[Browney]

I cant wrap my head around this argument, I'll give in. YOU WIN. Maybe I'm slow tonight...

[Smits]

I have to say i'm goin to back liverpool for fourth. However, if somebody else was to get it, i'd really hope to see spurs there.

[StefanWolves]

Wow, Chain, about 3-5 of those players you named wouldn't make it in the Premiership at all, let alone top flight CL football...

As someone about said; Joe Cole, Milner, Agbo, Walcott, Hargreaves, Carrick, Ledley King (its a shame he can't play for England), Owen (controversial), David James... all could do a job in the CL.

Navas? CL? Reyes? CL? we know how he ended up at Arsenal... Senna? CL? yes he's good but not that good, OMG, OMG? ARBELOA? LMAOOO

I'm not arguing that England are better than Spain, because they aren't, however they aren't as far behind as you make out when it comes to depth.

Anyway, I feel on a good day England could compete with Spain.

[CHA!NGANG]

Wow, Chain, about 3-5 of those players you named wouldn't make it in the Premiership at all, let alone top flight CL football...

As someone about said; Joe Cole, Milner, Agbo, Walcott, Hargreaves, Carrick, Ledley King (its a shame he can't play for England), Owen (controversial), David James... all could do a job in the CL.

Navas? CL? Reyes? CL? we know how he ended up at Arsenal... Senna? CL? yes he's good but not that good, OMG, OMG? ARBELOA? LMAOOO

I'm not arguing that England are better than Spain, because they aren't, however they aren't as far behind as you make out when it comes to depth.

Anyway, I feel on a good day England could compete with Spain.

I take it you don't watch La Liga much then? All the players I listed either play in the CL already and start, or they should do. Which out of those won't cut it in the Premiership out of intrest? Joe Cole, yes fair enough I consider him to be in the starting XI though. Milner and Agbo yes fair enough. Like I said before, Walcott doesn't count as he doesn't start for Arsenal a CL side. Hargreaves like I said up there, I think is a first XI England player instead of Barry when he's fit. Owen no. James no. Do you think King would get into Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea or United and if so infront of who?

Also you think no to Navas and Reyes and Senna. Shows how little you watch La Liga to be honest. Navas was wanted by most big clubs including Chelsea who were willing to pay a ton for him but he gets homesick easily and said he can't move away. Arbeloa starts for Real Madrid most games. If he starts for Real Madrid then i'm sure as hell that he can play in the CL and win it :rolleyes:. All you've shown is that you don't watch La Liga in that post if I'm honest.

As for Spain vs England. Yeah England can beat Spain with there first team's against each other. It's not possible but if you played a 2nd team England against a 2nd team Spain, the 2nd team Spain would beat the England team 9 times out of 10.

[RareIce]

Navas - Class.
Senna - Class.

Regarding 4th place it'll be a close one and for someone to say city arent ready.... i think you should retract that, if City get into the CL obviously we're gunna buy good players for the standards of the CL and already arguably have the best squad out of the teams going for the top 4 so we shall see, gunna be tight tho.

[StefanWolves]

Also you think no to Navas and Reyes and Senna. Shows how little you watch La Liga to be honest. Navas was wanted by most big clubs including Chelsea who were willing to pay a ton for him but he gets homesick easily and said he can't move away. Arbeloa starts for Real Madrid most games. If he starts for Real Madrid then i'm sure as hell that he can play in the CL and win it :rolleyes:. All you've shown is that you don't watch La Liga in that post if I'm honest.
Reyes didn't cut it at Arsenal, Navas, yes, may have been wanted by bigger clubs, but how the **** do you know that? do you believe what you read in the tabloids? I personally heard of no rumors relating to him. Arbeloa was not the best Liverpool player, Real Madrid have a shocking defense, and historically always have.

Yes, I don't watch La Liga much, because I don't need to. My team plays in the PL, not LL. I also find LL boring, but that's another argument all together. If I want to watch Real Madrid and Barca (which is basically what LL is), I will watch the CL.



As for Spain vs England. Yeah England can beat Spain with there first team's against each other. It's not possible but if you played and 2nd team England against a 2nd team Spain, the 2nd team Spain would beat the England team 9 times out of 10.
But we will never know, our second teams are never going to play each other. But I agree on the first team thing.

[CHA!NGANG]

Reyes didn't cut it at Arsenal, Navas, yes, may have been wanted by bigger clubs, but how the **** do you know that? do you believe what you read in the tabloids? I personally heard of no rumors relating to him. Arbeloa was not the best Liverpool player, Real Madrid have a shocking defense, and historically always have.

Yes, I don't watch La Liga much, because I don't need to. My team plays in the PL, not LL. I also find LL boring, but that's another argument all together. If I want to watch Real Madrid and Barca (which is basically what LL is), I will watch the CL.


But we will never know, our second teams are never going to play each other. But I agree on the first team thing.

So? You're saying just because a player doesn't cut it in 1 country and League he can't in another? Reyes didn't cut it at Arsenal no because he didn't like it there, however, he has always had talent which is why we payed £17 Million for him. He moved back to Spain, had an off start but is now starting to pick up real form and is a very good winger.

Also with Navas, this was ages ago that he was wanted by bigger clubs so you wouldn't have heard of it and you yourself have said you don't watch La Liga so how do you know if he's any good or not? Just because you haven't heard of him?... Arbeloa wasn't amazing at Liverpool no but like I said above, he moved back to his native Spain and is doing well and it doesn't matter how bad Madrids defence is getting into it is tough and he has done it so I think he is a CL player.

Also fair enough if you don't watch La Liga but saying that half the players I listed aren't good enough for the CL or Spain is stupid because you haven't even seen them play before.

[StefanWolves]

So? You're saying just because a player doesn't cut it in 1 country and League he can't in another? Reyes didn't cut it at Arsenal no because he didn't like it there, however, he has always had talent which is why we payed £17 Million for him. He moved back to Spain, had an off start but is now starting to pick up real form and is a very good winger.

Also with Navas, this was ages ago that he was wanted by bigger clubs so you wouldn't have heard of it and you yourself have said you don't watch La Liga so how do you know if he's any good or not? Just because you haven't heard of him?... Arbeloa wasn't amazing at Liverpool no but like I said above, he moved back to his native Spain and is doing well and it doesn't matter how bad Madrids defence is getting into it is tough and he has done it so I think he is a CL player.

Also fair enough if you don't watch La Liga but saying that half the players I listed aren't good enough for the CL or Spain is stupid because you haven't even seen them play before.

To be honest you make it sound like you watch LL every week, do you?

[CHA!NGANG]

To be honest you make it sound like you watch LL every week, do you?

Yeah I do unless I'm out.

[StefanWolves]

When I'm not going to bother, cause you'll just keep bringing up the 'I watch more La Liga then you' argument.

[CHA!NGANG]

When I'm not going to bother, cause you'll just keep bringing up the 'I watch more La Liga then you' argument.

Not what I'm saying at all but if you don't watch it at all like you said you don't, then I don't see what you're basing your opinions of these players on.

[Black_Apalachi]

... But now, Liverpool and Everton finish out of Europe. The best players from those clubs will be hunted after. Torres will want to play in Europe and City are willing to pay. Arsenal could do with a strong CDM, Fellaini might suit. Then clubs will settle, and monotony will resume!

I honestly don't think Torres would even get many starts at City. Even if he did, I can't imagine him playing well with the likes of Tevez or Aderbayor.


oh come on, i dont think it'll be another 1-4 defeat :(

I'm not fussed, as long as it is a defeat :D


James Milner, Owen Hargreaves, Defoe arguably Ashley Young could all do a job in the CL. Fair point there aren't 11 players in back-up, but who would Spain's second 11 be?

What about Bobby Zamora? on MOTD2 Alan Hansen completely disregarded the idea of him playing for England, but I think he's on brilliant form at the moment. I hate to say it, but he's not worse than Heskey is he!

[Jibbish]

What about Bobby Zamora? on MOTD2 Alan Hansen completely disregarded the idea of him playing for England, but I think he's on brilliant form at the moment. I hate to say it, but he's not worse than Heskey is he!
heskeys a completely different type of striker

[Adamm]

I haven't read the entire thread because most of it is drivvel however Senna is absolute quality.