Barca or mackems

[toptoon]

Right, if I told you we win one and lose one of our next 2 games, which one would you choose to win?

[Ragatino]

Right, if I told you we win one and lose one of our next 2 games, which one would you choose to win?

In the immortal words of Freddy Mercury 'I want it all, I want it now!'

We do them both.

The lads are finally getting some momentum and consistency. A heavily rotated squad beat Chelsea.

With Barca playing the high line at home far more aggressive than their SJP performance should leave more gaps in behind. They times they've been beaten this season it's been on the counter attack with a pace front line.

The Mackems are finally feeling the pace & pressure of the league. They're early season glow has faded.

Mackem - Last 6 - L4,W1,D1

None of these muppets have experienced a derby at SJP. They have no idea what is gonna hit them when they Toon Army's full rage and hatred is directed at them.

We're gonna do them both.

[Marat18]

If I have to chose one, Id say mackems.

I think we have a fair chance of winning Conference league if we make one. May be even Europa league.
So, climbing up the table and getting this 6-8 finish is something I’d aim for.

I’d go for Barca though, if we’ve been sitting more comfortably in the league

[Zippity]

League has to be the priority, much as our form up until now has made Europe very unlikely.

If we turn up, like we did against Barcelona, we'll beat the mackems.

If we turn up vs Barca...then who knows although if they turn up, it'll be game over.

[Marat18]

League has to be the priority, much as our form up until now has made Europe very unlikely.

After yesterday win Opta analyst have us finishing 8th with 54pts (12 pts from 8 games). 3 pts behind Brentford and 1 and 2 pts above Everton and Brighton.

If top-5 teams win FA cup, then 1-5th likely go to ChL, 6-7th to EL and 8th to Conference.

There is also a small chance that Villa win EL and finish outside top-5 (or even top-4 - not sure), then Europe allocation can go up to 9th place

[Jammy89]

Barca is what its all about.

However, I want Europe next season and I want the mackems battered to wash out the game at their sty.

[Ragatino]

Well 1 down 1 to go.

A win is now essential on Sunday. After the disappointing lose in Barca it's imperative that the lads get back to winning ways against the unwashed.

A reverse scoreline v the puddle drinkers would be much appreciated. 7-2 would do wonders for the confidence and also the goal difference, with the latter clearly going come to bare on league positions at the end of the season with regard to the European knockings

[Zippity]

A win on Sunday is important for a couple of reasons.

Points-wise, it's ***** if we're to make a late push for Europe-and I don't mean the Conference League. That would bring all the drawbacks of playing in Europe with almost none of the positives.

Personally, I don't think we'll make it. Yes, I know that it's technically possible but we've been saying all season 'we just need to put a run together' or 'when we get a few wins'. We're still waiting with 8 games left and, much as we've shown glimpses of the team we can be, we've shot ourselves in both feet so many times this season, it's become a habit.

The other reason we need to win is that, unfortunately, the ice Eddie is skating on is getting a bit thinner with every defeat and a second loss to the mackems in the same season would push a lot of folk over the edge.

Last night, against one of the best teams in Europe-histotically and currently-we had the upper hand for the first half, That, amongst all the other evidence, shows what Eddie Howe is capable of.

Yes, the second half also exposed some of his shortcomings-although which manager doesn't have them-but, more than that, it showed the weaknesses in our squad.

[Zippity]

*vital

this fucking site, man.

[Ragatino]

A win on Sunday is important for a couple of reasons.

Points-wise, it's ***** if we're to make a late push for Europe-and I don't mean the Conference League. That would bring all the drawbacks of playing in Europe with almost none of the positives.

Personally, I don't think we'll make it. Yes, I know that it's technically possible but we've been saying all season 'we just need to put a run together' or 'when we get a few wins'. We're still waiting with 8 games left and, much as we've shown glimpses of the team we can be, we've shot ourselves in both feet so many times this season, it's become a habit.

The other reason we need to win is that, unfortunately, the ice Eddie is skating on is getting a bit thinner with every defeat and a second loss to the mackems in the same season would push a lot of folk over the edge.

Last night, against one of the best teams in Europe-histotically and currently-we had the upper hand for the first half, That, amongst all the other evidence, shows what Eddie Howe is capable of.

Yes, the second half also exposed some of his shortcomings-although which manager doesn't have them-but, more than that, it showed the weaknesses in our squad.

From what I've heard, in my remove on the middle east gossip grapevine, no one inside the club wants to be involved in the Europa Conference AT ALL.

There is an appetite for the Europa League as it's seen a comp the club can win and has a level of prestige and represents a trophy win that would signal genuine progression for the club.

That said, financially it's not a massive benefit if the squad suffers injuries & fatigue negatively impacts next seasons Premier League performance with Champions League qualification being mandatory for the 'project' and no doubt Eddie's Job security.

It's the responsibility of the player to perform. They want to be top recognised as Elite players - PROVE IT!

Go out and win 8 from 8 put the pressure on those above.

OR go out with a whimper like a bunch of cowards.

[toptoon]

Just shows how far the mackems have fallen that Im more interested in the 3 points than beating them (if you know what I mean). Anything less than 3 points then the season is over. The only thing that gives me any hope we can get a good run going eventually, is the extra rest/training time between games now.
Back to the high press, high energy game - over to you Eddie and the players.

[MidsMagpie]

Hopefully against Sunderland we wont have Pope recalled and Burn at centre back with Gordon up front yet again.

[Ragatino]

Hopefully against Sunderland we wont have Pope recalled and Burn at centre back with Gordon up front yet again.

I don't see Pope back in goal again this season.

Up top Gordon will probably start. Unfortunately, it appears that he's got the golden ticket.

Botman should come back in too.

[MidsMagpie]

I don't see Pope back in goal again this season.

Up top Gordon will probably start. Unfortunately, it appears that he's got the golden ticket.

Botman should come back in too.

I agree we need the back 4 who were great against Chelsea back.

[Jammy89]

I don't see Pope back in goal again this season.

Up top Gordon will probably start. Unfortunately, it appears that he's got the golden ticket.

Botman should come back in too.

Agree with all of this to be honest.