The Race for Champions League Places

[red g]

I don't think Chelsea are as nailed on for 4th as some may think. Don't forget they finished 6th last season, and they have probably the worst manager out of the top 7 teams.

As you say, if we get to the transfer window within touching distance, we can then strengthen.

We may not be favourites for a CL spot, but we certainley have every chance. Apart from the manchester clubs, there are some very inconsistent teams in this league.

Close one with AVB that.

[red g]

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[magicalbarnes]

Close one with AVB that.

I reckon AVB's a decent manager, but doesn't fully understand the PL yet.

Di Matteo on the other hand spent a majority of his career over here, I reckon Dom Matteo would do a better job.

[Robbie-9-Fowler]

It's doable.. We'll need some luck, Suarez injury and suspension free and some good business in the transfer window.

It's a massive ask but Tottenham seem to be all over the place, West Brom surely can't keep this pace up? 1 team seem to do it every year.

Newcastle don't look the same outfit as last year either.

Everton look strong but they'll slip up, today as an example.

Arsenal in theory could walk it even though they're poor they have players who score and aren't reliant on a single player to carry them

[Exiled_red]

Despite a good win today, for me the main problem with us is struggling to break teams down. The first goal completely changed the game because it forced Wigan to push men forward which left space in behind for us to exploit, we are a much better side when we are in front, the problem is we still really struggle to break teams down and get in front in the first place. If it wasn't for the Wigan mistake which lead to the first goal I think it could have been another frustating afternoon like we've seen so often recently. This will give us confidence but I'm not sure how long it will last into the next game if the opposition put men behind the ball and try to frustrate us.

[danperkins]

Despite a good win today, for me the main problem with us is struggling to break teams down. The first goal completely changed the game because it forced Wigan to push men forward which left space in behind for us to exploit, we are a much better side when we are in front, the problem is we still really struggle to break teams down and get in front in the first place. If it wasn't for the Wigan mistake which lead to the first goal I think it could have been another frustating afternoon like we've seen so often recently. This will give us confidence but I'm not sure how long it will last into the next game if the opposition put men behind the ball and try to frustrate us.

if Suarez doesn't do it, it seems we don't do it. Sterling at such a tender age is trying to step up and take responsibility... others need to do the same.

[magicalbarnes]

Despite a good win today, for me the main problem with us is struggling to break teams down. The first goal completely changed the game because it forced Wigan to push men forward which left space in behind for us to exploit, we are a much better side when we are in front, the problem is we still really struggle to break teams down and get in front in the first place. If it wasn't for the Wigan mistake which lead to the first goal I think it could have been another frustating afternoon like we've seen so often recently. This will give us confidence but I'm not sure how long it will last into the next game if the opposition put men behind the ball and try to frustrate us.

Totally agree with this.

However all of the other teams chasing a CL place all have their own individual problems. Luckily the team currently sitting in 4th (WBA), will eventually fade away.

[banditos]

We've had a pretty tough start to the season in terms of fixtures. Already played the current top six.

Chelsea, on the other hand, had an unbelievably easy draw for their first 6 or so games. It's not surprising they appear to be slipping off the pace now.

[ChesterDave]

I don't think 4th is as far fetched as some people here do. We might not be as good as we would like this season but take out the poor decisions in the Everton and United games plus three terrible Skrtel mistake against Citeh and thats between 5 and 7 more points we would have. Would people say it is ridiculous expectations if we were 5th?

[RichC]

Way I see it is we're currently 5 points off Everton, if we can narrow the gap to them we will be there or there about for 4th place.

Don't expect us to get there this season if I am honest but its not as if the teams behind the top 3 have been mega consistent so far either ( I am discounting west brom btw).

[dom9]

We are already 5 points behind Everton.

[reds123]

If and only if Suarez's goal was given vs Everton and if the referee had a bit of decency vs United we are +5 or +3. Same as Arsenal.

[magicalbarnes]

With all of the turmoil at Chelsea, surely both 3rd & 4th spot are now up for grabs.

[Alex]

No I doubt it. They will be better, RDM was not a great manager. I can only assume they will go for someone big. They have such an amazing amount of options in Midfield, I cant see them finishing below 3rd. I hope Im wrong.

[dom9]

Di Matteo gone? When did that happen?