14 Mar 2026 16:16:35
Looking at the weekend's fixtures and obviously hoping that Newcastle can get something at Chelsea, preferably 3 points.
The Utd, Villa game is a weird one for me as although I don’t want Utd to win on any occasion I’d actually favour a win for them tomorrow as it drags Villa down with us (if we win, we’ll go above them?)
For me Villa are the ones at real risk on missing out on CL qualification through the league and they may well feel that Europa Cup glory brings them a much wanted major trophy and CL qualification?
Also if Utd get CL qualification, I think they might stick with Carrick, which will be disastrous for them moving forward.
14 Mar 2026 18:46:23
After this week's results in the CL, I think there may be a risk we don't get that extra spot. So 4th is crucial. We can't hope that 5th will be enough.
14 Mar 2026 20:29:32
The problem is, Villa have a much easier run in the last 8 games than we do. They play 4 of the bottom 5. Pretty sure we're the only team in their last 8 fixtures they haven't beaten this season. Their only 2 really tough games (on paper) will be us and City, which are their final 2, so it could go right to the wire. With a bit of luck, their lack of form will continue and relieve us of a little pressure. Chelsea have a similarly difficult final 8 to us, but some very patchy form of late too.
Agreed. I'd be shocked if City, Chelsea, Newcastle and Spurs didn't get knocked out. So, if we win, that could leave us with only 2 English clubs in the competition, and put a hopeful 5th place finish completely out of the question.
4th is a must. Luckily for us, Villa and Chelsea are off the pace at the moment. It won't be easy, but it's absolutely doable. Hopefully the lads can muster up a string of quality performances for the home stretch.
14 Mar 2026 20:44:01
Chewy, mate. Chelsea and Villa are not the only ones in a poor run of form!
Clutching at straws, mate. I hope you're right tho.
YNWA.
14 Mar 2026 20:57:55
Playing 4 of the bottom 5 is a bad thing in the run-in. They are fighting for their lives. You want to play teams who have nothing to play for, not teams who are fighting for European places, and definitely not teams who are fighting relegation.
15 Mar 2026 00:42:08
Isn't the PL already top by a number of points? Assuming Arsenal knock out BL, then Munich are the only German team left, no? Spain will definitely get a spot, but surely the Premier League will get one ahead of Germany (not sure there are many other contenders).
Also think we will beat Gala. And fancy Villa and Palace to go all the way in their comps.
15 Mar 2026 04:58:49
Chrisymate, Oh, I'm well aware, but we're stuck with Slopball at the moment, and we can't afford to miss out on that CL revenue, so trying to stay (as) positive (as I can).
Varry, I know what you mean, mate, but I'd still rather play the bottom 4 over the top 4. There's a reason they're fighting relegation.
funky061, Spain and Germany are both on 18, England on 22.
Yes, if Arsenal do the business against Leverkusen, we get the extra spot. If not, there's a small chance Germany could take it, but I think it would take something incredible, like Bayern would have to win every game and Leverkusen would have to make the semis, or something like that. Don't quote me on it, so yeah, it is highly unlikely that Germany would take it.