Men's Soccer (Football) Thread [ARCHIVED] Soccer • Page 465

I don't disagree, just thought it was pretty funny, plus compared to, y'know, genocidal slave drivers, I'm willing to let Paddy Power’s awful lad culture and shock jock style advertising have more leeway aha.

 

So what’s everyone’s expectations for next season?

for us, I think top 4 and a CL quarter final would be a respectable season. I don’t see us getting into a title challenge or even second. But we absolutely have to finish rope 4 again. Would love a trophy, but given our semi struggles this season I don’t know if that will happen.

 

I’m waiting to see how the window plays out before I set my expectations.

I think we’re in a better situation than last season led to believe. It’s just a matter of patching up the defense. Hojbjerg was a nice start. And it seems like a RB is next. Followed by a CB. Other than that I don’t know what we’ll do.

Liverpool and City will likely be way ahead of us. I think with a decent window we can be right up there with United and Chelsea.

I’d take 5th or 6th and EL title over 4th and no trophy. So I hope we focus more on Europa if it’s looking shaky for top 4 at the halfway point.

 

I would echo the above, which probably says that Spurs and Arsenal are in similar-ish positions.

We had a great end to the season and I hope that we can build on Arteta's very fractured but promising start. I think with one or two more signing, we could try and push for top four, but honestly I suspect we stand more chance in the Europa League.

Interestingly, I can see there being eight teams competing again. I think Liverpool, City and Chelsea will be ahead of everyone else, and then I think depending on the transfer window you have United, Arsenal, Spurs, Wolves and Leicester all competing for the remaining European spaces.

If we get Partey and Gabriel and retain Ceballos and Auba, I can see us challenging for that legitimately. I think United will be hampered by their subpar manager, Spurs it's hard to tell but it depends on what Mou they get and how injury free Kane and Son are. Wolves won't have europe so if they retain their team they will be strong.

 

My prediction is that the season will be a shitshow with (partial) lockdowns or maybe even a complete cancellation. I hope I am wrong though.

 

Has there been any word on letting fans back in attendance?

 

Doubt fans will be in attendance for most of, if not all of, the upcoming season, can't speak for the UK/Europe though

 

Here in Germany fans are allowed up to a certain number, 0-1000 depending on the state. That obviously excludes Bundesliga teams because they would draw higher numbers.
I am just glad that I can go to football games again and also support my local team. Since the end of the lockdown I have been to 12 games now (mostly friendlies of lower level teams). I hope going to games is possible throughout the whole season but with the rising number of covid cases I suspect it will end sooner or later.

 

I have a feeling this is the most accurate prediction here.

 

I think it's going to be a shitshow at Newcastle this year. The take over talks are still rattling on with another group apparently interested. I don't think we've signed anyone and I doubt that we will. Big chunks of the fanbase are furious with the way the Premier League have treated the club as well, which is going to make it a pretty toxic place to be playing.

Bizarrely, I think the lack of fans might actually suit Newcastle. I think a full stadium would be a very negative stadium.

Also agree with the above post, in that I'd be really surprised if there isn't a large scale postponement of games again at some point. Teams in the Prem did a great job after Project Restart, but it's a big ask to keep that up for an entire season, particularly when you have European competition and the cups in the mix too. Seen other sports in the UK struggling with it (Rugby and Cricket have both had some pretty high profile failings), so not sure football can keep going like this indefinitely.

 

I'd be a lot more confident about the season ahead if we manage to sign our midfield targets like Allan and Doucoure. If we don't, I can easily see us finishing below Brexit clubs like Burnley again.

 

My current relegation picks are Fulham, West Brom and Aaron Villa, although I think Newcastle will be around there too.

 

I've renewed the fantasy league for those who care about it in this thread. If you're not already in the league for some reason, ask me for the code.

 

I somehow have missed this in the past. May I have the code and link?

 

Fantasy Premier League, Official Fantasy Football Game of the Premier League

Code: ijlxcr

 

Thanks!

 

My hopes for this year are promotion and playing lots of youth talent. Not selling any of the good youngsters we have either would be promising.

 

Cheeky Fulham have bid for Pique, apparently. Has his stock really fallen that much?

 

Seems Henderson is coming back. Happy with that.

 

Some argue he was better than De Gea this season. Hope he gets a chance.

 

If we’re including value for money he probably did.

 

Who predicted Lyon having the first chance of the game?

 

Gnabry!

 

Gnabry x2