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Race for the Top 4 - 2018/19

Where will we finish in the league ?


  • Total voters
    423
  • Poll closed .

easley91

Well-Known Member
Jan 27, 2011
18,720
53,767
I have a feeling City may prioritize the Champions League. It's the one Pep and the board want most. If Liverpool have the same thought as last season, you never know. Take their eyes off the league, one or two slip ups and we could be in with a shout.
 

Timberwolf

Well-Known Member
Jan 17, 2008
10,328
50,217
I was going to use the United game as a response to @Timberwolf post about us being lucky that teams haven't put their chances away.

Not a dig at him, more the press & opposition fans.

How come we've only won because our opponents couldn't put chances away, and it's nothing to do with some great saves from Lloris. Yet that United result was, according to press & opposing fans, all down to DeGea being the best 'keeper since the dawn of time and nothing to do with some pretty shabby finishing from ourselves?

As many have said, we literally battered them. DeGea did have a great game, but our finishing on the day was pretty sub-standard at best.
I think the press were a bit more measured than that. Sure, De Gea got a lot of praise but I reckon most pundits were in agreement that we destroyed them in the 2nd half and deserved something from the game.

The thing is in most games, especially recently, it's leaning the other way. Our quality of performances isn't matching our results and unless that improves quickly, even with our Poch mentality and gargantuan cojones, we'll inevitably drop points.

I know points are the most important thing but we finished that AVB season with a record points tally and were pretty abject a lot of the time. The following season proved it wasn't sustainable. We're far, far better than that now but I just feel our overall play is a notable step down from the last 2 years (which is completely understandable) and we'll need to improve if we want to maintain this run.
 
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easley91

Well-Known Member
Jan 27, 2011
18,720
53,767
I think the press were a bit more measured than that. Sure, De Gea got a lot of praise but I reckon most pundits were in agreement that we destroyed them in the 2nd half and deserved something from the game.

The thing is in most games, especially recently, it's leaning the other way. Our quality of performances isn't matching our results and unless that improves quickly, even with our Poch mentality and gargantuan cojones, we'll inevitably drop points.

I know points are the most important thing but we finished that AVB season with a record points tally and were pretty abject a lot of the time. The following season proved it wasn't sustainable. We're far, far better than that now but I just feel our overall play is a notable step down from the last 2 years (which is completely understandable) and we'll need to improve if we want to maintain this run.
I think you have to undoubtedly factor in all the off the pitch stuff. The stadium, no pre-season for our key players, the post World Cup fatigue and all the injuries means we haven't really been able to play a settled XI for more than a few matches. That will lend itself to performances on the pitch. The fact we are where we are despite all that, with lesser performances speaks volumes. We saw over the festive period and in a handful of other games what we are capable of when we are flying and on fire. Put us in a new stadium, settled with a pre season, with a few new signings, and that should scare other teams.
 

spurs mental

Well-Known Member
Mar 10, 2007
25,075
49,234
I think the press were a bit more measured than that. Sure, De Gea got a lot of praise but I reckon most pundits were in agreement that we destroyed them in the 2nd half and deserved something from the game.

The thing is in most games, especially recently, it's leaning the other way. Our quality of performances isn't matching our results and unless that improves quickly, even with our Poch mentality and gargantuan cojones, we'll inevitably drop points.

I know points are the most important thing but we finished that AVB season with a record points tally and were pretty abject a lot of the time. The following season proved it wasn't sustainable. We're far, far better than that now but I just feel our overall play is a notable step down from the last 2 years (which is completely understandable) and we'll need to improve if we want to maintain this run.

You can't compare our last season at the Lane with the last two seasons that we've spent at the dump. Our home form was on another level that season. We scored early and killed teams at home. It was unlike anything I've ever seen. Spurs are at home? Guaranteed win. We've never had a disrupted season injury wise like we have this one either. As someone else has said, we must have only been able to field our strongest XI in a handful of games. The final season at the Lane and even last season we had much more luck than this one so far plus most players had a pre season.

Get into our new home next season, a couple of additions and maintain the core players, teams won't want to come to NWHL. We've proved we can beat pretty much anyone away from home as well this season and last.
 

Lighty64

I believe
Aug 24, 2010
10,400
12,476
I think the press were a bit more measured than that. Sure, De Gea got a lot of praise but I reckon most pundits were in agreement that we destroyed them in the 2nd half and deserved something from the game.

The thing is in most games, especially recently, it's leaning the other way. Our quality of performances isn't matching our results and unless that improves quickly, even with our Poch mentality and gargantuan cojones, we'll inevitably drop points.

I know points are the most important thing but we finished that AVB season with a record points tally and were pretty abject a lot of the time. The following season proved it wasn't sustainable. We're far, far better than that now but I just feel our overall play is a notable step down from the last 2 years (which is completely understandable) and we'll need to improve if we want to maintain this run.

have you even considered that we might be playing in 2nd gear for a reason?

most the squad haven't had a summer rest.

most of the squad never had a preseason.

most of the squad have been injured at sometime, being involved in 4 comps.

I don't think we have played our strongest XI once yet
 

CoopsieDeadpool

Well-Known Member
Jun 8, 2012
18,257
70,419
I think the press were a bit more measured than that. Sure, De Gea got a lot of praise but I reckon most pundits were in agreement that we destroyed them in the 2nd half and deserved something from the game.

The thing is in most games, especially recently, it's leaning the other way. Our quality of performances isn't matching our results and unless that improves quickly, even with our Poch mentality and gargantuan cojones, we'll inevitably drop points.

I know points are the most important thing but we finished that AVB season with a record points tally and were pretty abject a lot of the time. The following season proved it wasn't sustainable. We're far, far better than that now but I just feel our overall play is a notable step down from the last 2 years (which is completely understandable) and we'll need to improve if we want to maintain this run.


What @easley91 said (y)


I think you have to undoubtedly factor in all the off the pitch stuff. The stadium, no pre-season for our key players, the post World Cup fatigue and all the injuries means we haven't really been able to play a settled XI for more than a few matches. That will lend itself to performances on the pitch. The fact we are where we are despite all that, with lesser performances speaks volumes. We saw over the festive period and in a handful of other games what we are capable of when we are flying and on fire. Put us in a new stadium, settled with a pre season, with a few new signings, and that should scare other teams.



 

Timberwolf

Well-Known Member
Jan 17, 2008
10,328
50,217
have you even considered that we might be playing in 2nd gear for a reason?

most the squad haven't had a summer rest.

most of the squad never had a preseason.

most of the squad have been injured at sometime, being involved in 4 comps.

I don't think we have played our strongest XI once yet
Can't really argue with any of that. I suppose what I have an issue with is when people refuse to accept that we've been lucky in any way and every win is down to our incredible strength of character, when in reality it's been combination of the two in a fair few games.

I actually think the real key to our success this season has been down to the depth of our squad, which is ironically what the press and pundits continually say we don't have. Lucas and Lamela dragged us through some tight games at the start of the season, Foyth and KWP stepped up when we were light at the back. Even though he's been terrible at times, Llorente still has still scored some important goals. The much maligned Sissoko has been a revelation in midfield. Even our 7th choice winger popped up with a glorious assist against Fulham. If that's not squad depth, what is? It's only central midfield where we're seriously light.

Just because Man City have assembled an absurd squad (which cost them over half a billion pounds) are all teams suddenly expected to have players like Mahrez on the bench, and countless world class blokes called Silva? Considering our finances, the fact that our 4th choice CB is a player of Foyth's quality is pretty special. Same goes for KWP being our 3rd choice RB.
 
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ljinko888

Well-Known Member
May 17, 2016
2,080
5,376
Starts from January 1st when there were 18 matches to go. Split up into three groups of six matches to give a decent idea of how each team is doing compared to each other in each block of matches.

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danielneeds

Kick-Ass
May 5, 2004
24,179
48,764
I have a feeling City may prioritize the Champions League. It's the one Pep and the board want most. If Liverpool have the same thought as last season, you never know. Take their eyes off the league, one or two slip ups and we could be in with a shout.
Barring an outbreak of the plague at the Etihad there's really no reason for them to prioritise anything. They've got huge strength in depth everywhere except LB and a Fernandinho understudy.
 

easley91

Well-Known Member
Jan 27, 2011
18,720
53,767
Barring an outbreak of the plague at the Etihad there's really no reason for them to prioritise anything. They've got huge strength in depth everywhere except LB and a Fernandinho understudy.
My point is they have been dying to dominate Europe and win the CL. The board had hired Pep with that in mind. They have won the Prem, somewhat convincingly, as well as the domestic cups. It's the only one left. Maybe being so close to Liverpool might make them think twice about complacency, as had they cruised like last season they undoubtedly would prioritize the CL in my opinion. Of course it helps they have the squad to do so.

Now if Liverpool chose to go all out for CL instead, they can't go on both fronts but are out of the FA Cup like us.

EDIT: I'm not sure if Pep has won the FA Cup, but as a club they have won it recently since the owners came in.
 

hellava_tough

Well-Known Member
Apr 21, 2005
9,429
12,382
Can't really argue with any of that. I suppose what I have an issue with is when people refuse to accept that we've been lucky in any way and every win is down to our incredible strength of character, when in reality it's been combination of the two in a fair few games.

I actually think the real key to our success this season has been down to the depth of our squad, which is ironically what the press and pundits continually say we don't have. Lucas and Lamela dragged us through some tight games at the start of the season, Foyth and KWP stepped up when we were light at the back. Even though he's been terrible at times, Llorente still has still scored some important goals. The much maligned Sissoko has been a revelation in midfield. Even our 7th choice winger popped up with a glorious assist against Fulham. If that's not squad depth, what is? It's only central midfield where we're seriously light.

Just because Man City have assembled an absurd squad (which cost them over half a billion pounds) are all teams suddenly expected to have players like Mahrez on the bench, and countless world class blokes called Silva? Considering our finances, the fact that our 4th choice CB is a player of Foyth's quality is pretty special. Same goes for KWP being our 3rd choice RB.

Some do and some don't, depending on who you listen to.

I think the ones that don't rate our squad depth are thinking about us in terms of PL title contenders, which although nice of them to put us in that bracket, it's slightly unrealistic/unfair.

Do those pundits expect us to go out and drop £250m to £300m in a transfer window, to improve the squad depth like City and Pool have?

Even if we had brought in a CM and, say, Zaha we still wouldn't have a squad to compete with City.

So I guess it's all about perception and expectations.

Personally, I'm happy to finish in the Top 4 until the stadium financing (naming rights, etc) has been sorted and then see if we can push for a league title or even CL title. Obviously, if we manage to do so before this, then that would be great; but it would be a 'bonus' to the long-term plans of the club.
 

hellava_tough

Well-Known Member
Apr 21, 2005
9,429
12,382
My point is they have been dying to dominate Europe and win the CL. The board had hired Pep with that in mind. They have won the Prem, somewhat convincingly, as well as the domestic cups. It's the only one left. Maybe being so close to Liverpool might make them think twice about complacency, as had they cruised like last season they undoubtedly would prioritize the CL in my opinion. Of course it helps they have the squad to do so.

Now if Liverpool chose to go all out for CL instead, they can't go on both fronts but are out of the FA Cup like us.

EDIT: I'm not sure if Pep has won the FA Cup, but as a club they have won it recently since the owners came in.

No way Pool do this; not when they're this close to their first league title in 30-odd years!
 

danielneeds

Kick-Ass
May 5, 2004
24,179
48,764
My point is they have been dying to dominate Europe and win the CL. The board had hired Pep with that in mind. They have won the Prem, somewhat convincingly, as well as the domestic cups. It's the only one left. Maybe being so close to Liverpool might make them think twice about complacency, as had they cruised like last season they undoubtedly would prioritize the CL in my opinion. Of course it helps they have the squad to do so.

Now if Liverpool chose to go all out for CL instead, they can't go on both fronts but are out of the FA Cup like us.

EDIT: I'm not sure if Pep has won the FA Cup, but as a club they have won it recently since the owners came in.
They've never retained the title, though. That's a big thing for any club trying to build a dynasty.

As you say, with how tight it is Pep can't really afford to take the foot off the gas in any match and I don't expect them to do so.
 

easley91

Well-Known Member
Jan 27, 2011
18,720
53,767
No way Pool do this; not when they're this close to their first league title in 30-odd years!
I didn't say they would, only that they don't have the squad capable of going for both. If they got to semis, and the league is still differed by GD, or one or two points, you don't know what Klopp might choose to do. Depending on the fixtures around the CL ties he might rest players if they were against say a Burnley or Fulham etc. and that is a dangerous game.
 

easley91

Well-Known Member
Jan 27, 2011
18,720
53,767
They've never retained the title, though. That's a big thing for any club trying to build a dynasty.

As you say, with how tight it is Pep can't really afford to take the foot off the gas in any match and I don't expect them to do so.
Of course retaining is something else, very rarely have teams done so over here. I'm sure they want both, but it will come down to the opponents and injuries. City have the squad depth with quality to go for both. They have an on paper favorable tie in CL. They're the ones who can afford to rotate here and there. Liverpool (and ourselves) don't have that luxury. The amount of games played for Liverpool could take a toll like it has for us.

All this is not set in stone, so of course someone could pick up a season ending injury in training or catching the turf wrong. Teams can beat anyone on any given day in the Prem especially.

If I was to pick the league winners now it would be City, and I wouldn't put it past them to at least get semis in CL along the way, while Liverpool get knocked out.
 

hellava_tough

Well-Known Member
Apr 21, 2005
9,429
12,382
I didn't say they would, only that they don't have the squad capable of going for both. If they got to semis, and the league is still differed by GD, or one or two points, you don't know what Klopp might choose to do. Depending on the fixtures around the CL ties he might rest players if they were against say a Burnley or Fulham etc. and that is a dangerous game.

Fair enough

Just to give a little more info on your post here, the CL Semis are 30th April/1st May AND 7th May/8th May

Around that time Liverpool have the following teams in the league (their final 3 fixtures):

Huddersfield (H)
Newcastle (A)
Wolves (H)

So I guess that backs up what you're saying.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018–19_UEFA_Champions_League#Semi-finals

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/scores-fixtures/2019-05
 

easley91

Well-Known Member
Jan 27, 2011
18,720
53,767
Fair enough

Just to give a little more info on your post here, the CL Semis are 30th April/1st May AND 7th May/8th May

Around that time Liverpool have the following teams in the league (their final 3 fixtures):

Huddersfield (H)
Newcastle (A)
Wolves (H)

So I guess that backs up what you're saying.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018–19_UEFA_Champions_League#Semi-finals

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/scores-fixtures/2019-05
Those are games (bar Wolves for me as Wolves are one of the best outside the top 6) Klopp may feel he can "rotate" in if they do get that far. It's all ifs, buts and maybes at this point, though.
 

Lighty64

I believe
Aug 24, 2010
10,400
12,476
Those are games (bar Wolves for me as Wolves are one of the best outside the top 6) Klopp may feel he can "rotate" in if they do get that far. It's all ifs, buts and maybes at this point, though.

I know B Munich are not on fire this season, I'd still not want to face them in the 1st leg with only Matip as their only available CB

edit: sandwiched between the possible QF is Chelsea
 
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