I think we'll be OK personally BUT if Joa leaves in Jan which I suspect he may "hopefully Bayern have realized they don't need him now" it's gonna get really tricky
Unless we increase our goal scoring rate a definite yes.
It's a no from me.
Yes - if we continue to struggle scoring. If we remedy that, then we will be fine.
It would be extremely naive to either think or suggest that we're not already involved in a relegation battle,
If you don't score and you make mistakes at the back you are going to struggle and there's nothing much we can do about it until January by which time we'll almost certainly be bottom 4.
Not sure we will be, but will have a more definite opinion after the January transfer window.
We need a Striker, Defensive Mid and maybe another Centre back.
Quote from: SuffolkWhite on November 09, 2023, 09:36:20 PMNot sure we will be, but will have a more definite opinion after the January transfer window.
We need a Striker, Defensive Mid and maybe another Centre back.
Not sure we need another center back, we have Ream, Diop, Shirley, Tosin and Fig roll
Nope.
The strength of our squad will begin to show as thinner squads tire. This won't be a stellar season by any account, but we will be comfortable.
It depends what your view of a relegation battle is. I'm confident we'll be safe this season but we're unlikely to be safe as early as we were last season. The squad is lacking quality in attacking areas which need addressing in January. If the club sort that out and retain Palhinha things could be more comfortable.
It's a fair possibility , but of course it's still quite early in the season . As already pointed out we're not scoring freely and that's quite serious , but who knows what or who Marco has his eyes on for January window. We need a couple of players similar to what Brentford have ie wissa and mbueno. They are missing Toney but not as much as we are missing mitro.
I think we will stay up and I don't think we will be embroiled in a "battle". However if Joao leaves at Christmas then I do think we will complete the season with an eye over our shoulder looking at results below us.
I don't see us radically improving our goal scoring until next season, the winter transfer window is notoriously difficult. Consequently we need a strong defence to enable us to grind out low scoring wins and draws. Palhinha is vital to that defensive effort.
::scarf:: I'm with Twig... we won't go down but once Palhinha leaves in January we will struggle...
We need an out and out striker....
COYW
It's a not so distant possibility when keep losing games like we did to United and dropping needless points in the dying embers of a game.
Yes its true, we cant score. And its probably not getting completely solved during the next window, but we have solid bones and play well enough to stay up. It just wont be as satisfying as last season.
Two examples (IMO) are Palace and Wolves. They have shown you dont need goals to stay up - and quite comfortably.
- Last season Wolves scored 31 goals and finsihed 13th. Palace scored 40 and were 11th
- 2 seasons ago Wolves scored 38 and finished 10th.
We have a solid goalie, CDM, a great manager and a lot of "pros" on our team. Not a team filled with 20 year olds learning the game. I think we will be fine, even though it wont be as fun as last year.
Quote from: filham on November 09, 2023, 09:07:31 PMUnless we increase our goal scoring rate a definite yes.
I agree filham. I've suggested we play two strikers. My math 2 average strikers = 1 good striker.
*maths
Our squad is currently much too good to get relegated for the 23/24 season, but given we have older players are reaching their used by date, younger players with contracts ending soon and a balance sheet with limited capacity for transfers, we will be relegated soon unless we focus our planning for future seasons.
A week is a long time in football and you never know what is round the corner.
Currently at the moment there are warning signs that we could flirt with relegation seeing as we are capable of losing to anyone on the Premier League.
Firing blanks up front and conceding avoidable goals against are the ingredients for a team to slip the the trap door whilst sleep walking on and off the pitch.
A long injury list including key players could take its toll.
Loss of form and has a roll to play as does the game management of Marco Silva who i think gets off lightly considering our system of play is slow, tedious, dire and predictable and also has an annoying habit of bringing on subs far too late especially when we are struggling to get back into the game, that costs points.
On the other hand the key will be how active Fulham are in the transfer market in January, providing the owners son can be prised away from his play station for five minutes.
We need to bring in quality not deadwood. That means opening up Fulhams Fat Wallet from the sale of Mitrovic, providing Palhinha does not leave, we need a striker, and an attacking midfielder who is a midfield general and playmaker who can create, and a winger who is quick and a centre back who will master the defence with genuine leadership, because we are currently short of Leaders in the defence and pace has to be introduced.
Add that to injuries being fairly kind to us, then we stand a good chance of having a much better chance of a mid table finish.
But let us not feel too comfortable because matches v Luton Town and Nottingham Forest for example will be no picnic.
They are both capable of rolling us over on any given day with their home support added to the equation is worth a point.
Whereas our home support needs to step up a gear and ramp up the noise and become more partisan as it makes a difference to a player's commitment and adrenaline in the heat and atmosphere on the field of battle.
We will be in a relegation battle every season until we bridge that gap to the top teams. We may well have a good season like last year but as soon as the next season starts we are back in that battle. I look at Aston Villa and where they are now(Arguably top 5 performing) after four years back in the premier league and this is where we should be aiming for.
With what we have currently I can see us flip flopping between 15th - 17th at least until end of January. I just don't see us getting that surprise point or three? Home games up until Christmas crucial. Of the four games we need a decent return of points. Such a shame we did not build on last season.
Unlikely but possible. We struggle to score and are prone to defensive lapses. However, we probably have more quality than most at the bottom, plus a great manager.
Bit of shame that we're having this conversation after last year, but here we are.
Quote from: Somerset Fulham on November 09, 2023, 09:44:32 PMNope.
The strength of our squad will begin to show as thinner squads tire. This won't be a stellar season by any account, but we will be comfortable.
I've had a change of view this season. Win, lose or draw Fulham's my team and I'm not going to start ranting every time we slip up. I'd follow them whatever league they play in, why would I change the habit of a life (53 years) time!
I'd have to agree with Somerset, we have decent cover in most positions and youth appearing on the bench. I don't think Marco will change his system. So like Roy's teams everybody knows what's expected and we'll pull though. Didn't we struggle in the league during Europa? Maybe another cup final omen?
Quote from: Coast94 on November 10, 2023, 07:08:47 AMUnlikely but possible. We struggle to score and are prone to defensive lapses. However, we probably have more quality than most at the bottom, plus a great manager.
Bit of shame that we're having this conversation after last year, but here we are.
Agreed
I think we are going to be okay but we are on the cusp of falling into trouble. January is a notoriously difficult window , and given our current position some players may not want to join us. If Palhinha leaves and we get a few injuries or suspensions then we might well teeter on the abyss .
We are a decent team , with good cover ( apart from the obvious) but have lost a bit of our mojo and vitality
No relegation battle but ending up mid bottom half.
Quote from: Nick Bateman on November 09, 2023, 11:05:04 PMQuote from: filham on November 09, 2023, 09:07:31 PMUnless we increase our goal scoring rate a definite yes.
I agree filham. I've suggested we play two strikers. My math 2 average strikers = 1 good striker.
[/quotePut figures in there.
2x2 goals each = 4 goals total
2x0 goals each ==0 galls
It may not work, depends on the quality of the two.
Quote from: St Eve on November 09, 2023, 09:39:02 PMQuote from: SuffolkWhite on November 09, 2023, 09:36:20 PMNot sure we will be, but will have a more definite opinion after the January transfer window.
We need a Striker, Defensive Mid and maybe another Centre back.
Not sure we need another center back, we have Ream, Diop, Shirley, Tosin and Fig roll
Haha Shirley !!
Yes, but we won't be relegated.
What worries me is that all the teams around us are starting to play better, forest, Everton even Luton, Liverpool we're lucky to get a point. Out of them,,
If Joa goes we are at the same level as those bottom teams and without a goal scorer
I think most teams are until they have 40 points.
Quote from: perry geyton on November 10, 2023, 03:11:54 PMWhat worries me is that all the teams around us are starting to play better, forest, Everton even Luton, Liverpool we're lucky to get a point. Out of them
Eh, Liverpool may have scored the tying goal very late but if anyone was lucky to get a point in that match it was Luton. If Liverpoool hadn't left their shooting boots on the bus they'd have won that match fairly comfortably.
I saw two strikers in Europe who would be excellent additions if we could get them. One is Thijs Dallinga of Toulouse who scored against Liverpool and had 2 more disallowed. He looks a good finisher and is their top goalscorer.
The other is FC Copenhagen's Roony Bardghji ironicly named who scored against Man.United after coming on as sub after 69 mins. Roony is 17 years old, a wonderkid, is the Danish club's top scorer and looks hungry and full of beans. He is quoted as saying, "The only one who can stop me being the best player in the world is me"! Tearing him away from a Champions League may be tricky, but I believe offer Copenhagen enough money they will take it, possibly as low as £30million.
If we get relegated when we have Burnley, SU and Luton then I'll eat my hat. I don't own one but I'll buy one and eat it.
After today I'd argue that we are already in one
Quote from: perry geyton on November 11, 2023, 04:49:22 PMAfter today I'd argue that we are already in one
Yes, at one stage I was extremely worried how today's games were going.
Probably not relegated but unless we can get four starters in pretty sharpish during the transfer window, it's not going to be very fruitful season. I think our current starters look tired in the second half, when you have two of our starters in their mid 30s I think it can put a strain across the whole team. We are too slow in our build up and have become very predictable, If the opposition watch our games they will see where they can pressure us, particularly when we try and play out from the back. We only ever seem to play constructive football for short periods in any game. I don't think we are going to get those four starters in during the transfer window though, so a long drawn out frustrating fight for 17th-15th position awaits us.
Bournemouth giving Newcastle a game, should be in front - lack of composure in front of goal and Pope's saves.
Hopefully Newcastle will turn it on in the second half, keep B'mouth down there.
Worried about SU winning again tomorrow, the Brighton squad is rather depleted with the Europa League fixtures.
Quote from: RaySmith on November 11, 2023, 06:30:10 PMBournemouth giving Newcastle a game, should be in front - lack of composure in front of goal and Pope's saves.
Hopefully Newcastle will turn it on in the second half, keep B'mouth down there.
Considering Newcastle's huge list of injuries/suspensions (which got bigger in the first half), Bournemouth probably would be a little disappointed to only come away from this home match with a draw.
Bournemouth winning, FFC look in trouble. So much more fight in the teams around us
We should finish ahead of all three promoted sides, who all look pretty dire, but it's fairly inexcusable for us to be in this position after last season.
Hopefully we add a couple attacking pieces in January and kick on from there, but ...
Talk about the perfect time to play Newcastle. They have been woeful. Watch Brighton be knackered tomorrow and Villa still have a stormer against us. My god we need to start showing something soon.
If Bournemouth win tonight I think that's the bottom three confirmed for the season.
Luton have some fight in them but don't have a great deal of depth to their squad.
Quote from: Palhinha Colada on November 11, 2023, 06:58:00 PMWe should finish ahead of all three promoted sides, who all look pretty dire, but it's fairly inexcusable for us to be in this position after last season.
Hopefully we add a couple attacking pieces in January and kick on from there, but ...
It is criminal. To think we are paying inflated prices for this crap!
Quote from: SP on November 11, 2023, 07:07:00 PMIf Bournemouth win tonight I think that's the bottom three confirmed for the season.
Luton have some fight in them but don't have a great deal of depth to their squad.
One of them will pull their heads out of their arse, mark my words !
Yes I think we will. We have been that poor.
We have two major problems
1) we never look like scoring
2) we gift opposition goals from mistakes.
Generally teams who do those things find themselves in a relegation battle.
Given our position in the table we might struggle to attract players in January, so hopefully the recruitment team is on it.
We've played 12 games and at least a quarter of those are the hardest games that any side will play this entire season.
We still have players recovering from a crap pre-season but are beginning to show signs of getting back to where they should be and we also do have a minor injury crisis going on.
Can we do better? For sure we can and we will. There is no need for pearl clutching at this point.
Simple observation for some perspective.
Bottom three clubs (Burnley, Luton, Sheff Utd) came up from the Championship.
Next three (ourselves, Forest & Bournemouth) came up the previous year.
We are in serious trouble, and I have been saying this since the summer when it was clear our transfer business was seriously deficient and had left us with a weakened squad. This problem will only worsen in January when Palhinha will be sold, Ballo Touré, Bassey and Iwobi will be away at AFCON, and we will invariably dither in bringing anyone in until the last minute on deadline day. We play Everton, Burnley and Bournemouth in a three game run from 30 January, which could make or break. Do I have confidence we will be in a strong position to take them on? Given past evidence I'm not convinced...
On our performances so far this season, yes we will be in a relegation battle and with a few teams at the bottom showing some improvement e.g. Bournemouth, Wolves, Everton and Sheffield Utd we could be in trouble by the end of 2023. Unlikely to get any points tomorrow so hopefully West Ham v Forest will be a draw.
We are in a relegation battle, there is no doubt. We need to pick up points. Tomorrow wil be tough but wolves and Burnley at home are must wins to get us away from the bottom 3. Getting worried now.
We are in the bottom six with the next match away to an in form Villa. Best recognise that as being in the relegation fight otherwise before we know whats happening we will be in the bottom three.
Quote from: demeant0r on November 10, 2023, 07:12:18 PMIf we get relegated when we have Burnley, SU and Luton then I'll eat my hat. I don't own one but I'll buy one and eat it.
Then prepare to eat your hat.
May i recommend a Top Hat, or a Sombrero, or one of those cowboy ten gallon hats on a two pint head you see in westerns.
You can get your teeth into any of those three.
Then for desert i recommend a Deep Sea Diving Helmet. 🦣
Please let me know which one you will choose to eat.
My biggest worry has been an over confidence in the squad, and I think we're walking a tightrope.
Two incidents that have been in the back of my mind, I remember my home town hull city, sitting very comfortably in the championship with a few in January looking to try and nab a play off place come end of season, j bowen had smashed goals for them previous years and even signed a new contract to stay an extra bit. Now agreed hull had to sell bowen at some point and I agree it looked the best/safest time for it, off he goes for a load of money to west ham. Hull fail to win any games in the second half of the season (or maybe 1, I can't remember fully) and off they go to league 1. It was an unbelievable turn around of fortunes, but hull completely relied on bowen and no replacement came in.
Leeds are the second example in my head, great first year in the prem, no body thought they could get relegated the second, so leeds sell to make some of the money back that got them in that position thinking they had enough about them to stay up the next season, and another finds themselves in the championship.
We are not too good for relegation - the list is endless for teams too good for relegation. We are very much in the mix and the sooner we realise that and find ways to improve the better.
We have only scored 9 goals in the season. This reminds me all too much of our relegation season in 2020. Not scoring enough goals. I hope Silva realizes soon that the wingers, who are taking all the shots, are letting us down badly.
Quote from: Willham on November 11, 2023, 10:57:09 PMLeeds are the second example in my head, great first year in the prem, no body thought they could get relegated the second
And they weren't.
Quote from: Somerset Fulham on November 09, 2023, 09:44:32 PMNope.
The strength of our squad will begin to show as thinner squads tire. This won't be a stellar season by any account, but we will be comfortable.
Quote from: Somerset Fulham on November 09, 2023, 11:08:18 PM*maths
With 3 US born and raised children, I have brought up this very issue; is it 'math or maths'? It got to the point of involving their teachers. Because of the vitriolic abuse I have suffered over the years from said children and 'teachers', in defending our English language, for the sake of my grandchildren, I have to defer. 😢😉
I said on another thread we are sliding down the table and I see nothing to arrest our slide. Yesterday's results confirm my fears that we are going to be in a relegation battle. We appear to have less fight and little press on the opposition. Our failure to score goals or even create chances means that one defensive slip or one bit of skill from the opposition and we face an uphill battle in every game.
Silva doesn't know his best team and some of his tactics bemuse me. For example he signs Iwobi - his man - yet hardly plays him and then has him in and out of the side.
I think we are being very foolish if we take comfort from the bottom three's performances to date. They will begin to pick up points as they become more familiar with this league. Take Luton, deserved to win against Liverpool and only a narrow defeat at OT.
Unless Silva adapts his tactics so that this team carries a much greater goal threat then we are in for a difficult few months
It was pretty inevitable that we would get closer to the bottom three. The results yesterday ramp the pressure up further. Forget about who we might or might not sign January. The most important part of the first half of the season is coming up with the home games we have before Christmas. That will be a good Barometer to how our season will pan out.
What we must also bear in mind huge drop off in form from certain individuals like Pereira Willian Ream who were all excellent last season let alone the elephant in the room Mitrovic?
Need to get the likes of Tete and Tosin back in the team to strengthen us defensively until the New Year.
Quote from: Chi_FFC on November 12, 2023, 12:00:47 AMQuote from: Willham on November 11, 2023, 10:57:09 PMLeeds are the second example in my head, great first year in the prem, no body thought they could get relegated the second
And they weren't.
Haha beat me to it, they stayed up.
It does look like we are in a bit of trouble. January window is awful for bringing in quality needed when in the bottom 6. We have, however, been very unlucky with a run of games against top teams, losing a couple in the last minute and as usual, var has done us no favours so far this season. Cost us 3 points. A draw which should have been a win and a loss which should have been a draw.
When we decided as a club not to push on in the summer then it was inevitable we'd be we're we are - if you don't go forward you go backwards
Luckily this season Luton, Sheffield Utd and Burnley all look like they lack any quality and so we will at least finish above these
Quote from: jarv on November 12, 2023, 08:11:20 AMIt does look like we are in a bit of trouble. January window is awful for bringing in quality needed when in the bottom 6. We have, however, been very unlucky with a run of games against top teams, losing a couple in the last minute and as usual, var has done us no favours so far this season. Cost us 3 points. A draw which should have been a win and a loss which should have been a draw.
Bottom 6 is usually hard to recruit, but if we're 6-10 points ahead of the bottom 3 on Jan 1st (perfectly possible) and/or Everton lose 12 points, it'll be much easier, as players joining know they'll very likely get a full 24/25 season (the teams likely to be promoted from the Championship this year will make it much more competitive next, though I'm getting way, way, ahead of myself).
I think it needs to be a damage limitation exercise until the January window then spend what we need to to get a striker who at least knows where the back of the net is. Easier said than done but hopefully MS knows who he wants.
The whole Mitro and MS thing certainly put the club in a bit of a spin over the summer and put the club on hold but MS has signed a contract now and so that stability is there from a managerial point of view so hopefully should make signing players a bit easier although I think a few loan options will arrive to see us through until summer before any big spending is done.
I've read a few references to the quality of the teams to be promoted from the Championship this season. On what basis do we think the likes of Leicester, Ipswich & Leeds will be an improvement on last years teams?
Quote from: Lester Burnham on November 12, 2023, 01:41:00 AMQuote from: Somerset Fulham on November 09, 2023, 09:44:32 PMNope.
The strength of our squad will begin to show as thinner squads tire. This won't be a stellar season by any account, but we will be comfortable.
Quote from: Somerset Fulham on November 09, 2023, 11:08:18 PM*maths
With 3 US born and raised children, I have brought up this very issue; is it 'math or maths'? It got to the point of involving their teachers. Because of the vitriolic abuse I have suffered over the years from said children and 'teachers', in defending our English language, for the sake of my grandchildren, I have to defer. 😢😉
I think the way to look at it is to ask oneself which version of the full word you would use. Mathematics or mathematic? I think it's pretty clear that everyone would say mathematics, therefore the abbreviated version should be maths not math.
Math is a middle english inclusive word for science (all) and not for mathematics alone. It means to do the science and uncover the theory behind something.
This morning we are in the bottom five, with three to go down that means we are in the relegation battle. Sorry but we should face facts.
Yes if we don't get as many points as the teams bellow us
Quote from: toshes mate on November 12, 2023, 11:46:53 AMMath is a middle english inclusive word for science (all) and not for mathematics alone. It means to do the science and uncover the theory behind something.
what do you mean by "middle" English? What are your sources please?
regarding the OP, I think we already are.
It's most definitely on now
Not a coincidence I think that the bottom six clubs are the most recently promoted sides.
Quote from: SP on November 12, 2023, 10:25:28 AMI've read a few references to the quality of the teams to be promoted from the Championship this season. On what basis do we think the likes of Leicester, Ipswich & Leeds will be an improvement on last years teams?
Ipswich not so much, but Leicester kept some decent players, as did Leeds. With the right approach, and some muscle memory, I'd expect them to to be stronger than Luton and Sheff Utd are this season.
Quote from: wback on November 13, 2023, 12:22:42 AMQuote from: SP on November 12, 2023, 10:25:28 AMI've read a few references to the quality of the teams to be promoted from the Championship this season. On what basis do we think the likes of Leicester, Ipswich & Leeds will be an improvement on last years teams?
Ipswich not so much, but Leicester kept some decent players, as did Leeds. With the right approach, and some muscle memory, I'd expect them to to be stronger than Luton and Sheff Utd are this season.
Watching today's Championship game, 5th at home to 1st, I'm still not convinced this years promoted clubs will be an improvement.
Leicester, currently top of the table, look like a well organised team but no more.
Quote from: Karlos on November 12, 2023, 08:12:50 AMWhen we decided as a club not to push on in the summer then it was inevitable we'd be we're we are - if you don't go forward you go backwards
Luckily this season Luton, Sheffield Utd and Burnley all look like they lack any quality and so we will at least finish above these
Not sure what you mean by this we made some good signings, losing a irreplaceable striker late on is just horrible luck, supporters need to be aware that the Khans are not magicians
Quote from: SP on November 12, 2023, 10:04:00 PMNot a coincidence I think that the bottom six clubs are the most recently promoted sides.
When did Everton get promoted or have I missed something? ::wink::
Quote from: wback on November 13, 2023, 12:22:42 AMQuote from: SP on November 12, 2023, 10:25:28 AMI've read a few references to the quality of the teams to be promoted from the Championship this season. On what basis do we think the likes of Leicester, Ipswich & Leeds will be an improvement on last years teams?
Ipswich not so much, but Leicester kept some decent players, as did Leeds. With the right approach, and some muscle memory, I'd expect them to to be stronger than Luton and Sheff Utd are this season.
Ipswich have good financial backing, great management, very promising head coach, 30,000 crowds and plans for expansion/upgrading of Portman Road. Will be a good addition to PL if promoted.
Quote from: perry geyton on December 02, 2023, 04:44:40 PMQuote from: Karlos on November 12, 2023, 08:12:50 AMWhen we decided as a club not to push on in the summer then it was inevitable we'd be we're we are - if you don't go forward you go backwards
Luckily this season Luton, Sheffield Utd and Burnley all look like they lack any quality and so we will at least finish above these
Not sure what you mean by this we made some good signings, losing a irreplaceable striker late on is just horrible luck, supporters need to be aware that the Khans are not magicians
I mean our starting 11 is weaker this year than last years, I'm not Khan bashing but to keep progressing you need to be improving your team
Well we have a game to win today and that is what i am concentrating on.
A good resilient performance and a result will be great for moral, team spirit and confidence.
Anyone feeling that we can afford to lose this one as long as we win the next has no idea about the mechanics of football on and off the pitch and are living in the land of the cuckoo.
To be consistent you have to have good habits and the best habit is to pick up points on a regular basis.
You cannot turn it on and off when you feel like it.
Even glorious defeat is better than throwing the towel in before you enter the ring.
Whatever happens today in the cauldron of Anfield, we have to give it our best shot by selecting our strongest team and then it is down to the players and game management.
Can you imagine what it would feel like to the players, manager and the fans if we gave Liverpool a bloody nose.
That will have a positive effect on the next performance.
It can also show which players have the strongest mentality and who are the rabbits.
So my timid friends who think it is acceptable to accept a defeat because it is Anfield, come out from behind your wife's apron strings and man up.
We just need to make sure we take points of teams around and below us even without a proper striker I think we will and finish 14th or 15 th in the league I think.
Quote from: hovewhite on December 03, 2023, 09:33:11 AMWe just need to make sure we take points of teams around and below us even without a proper striker I think we will and finish 14th or 15 th in the league I think.
Finishing anywhere above 12th is surely a massive win what without a proper striker for half a season.
No way should we concentrate on the Forrest match and just lay down and surrender at Anfield this afternoon. However the important match for us is the Forrest game and we really need those points, so if choices have to be made today's game takes 2nd place.
For instance if it is recognised that Cairney would not be fit to play 90 minutes on Wednesday after a full match against Liverpool today then he stays at home and relaxes today.
I will be satisfied with a good performance and a close defeat today and over the proverbial moon if we could pick up a point. All that matters on Wednesday is getting those 3 points.
Discounting Everton who should do enough, it's looking very much like four clubs will fight it out at the bottom.
Nights like last night help to make all the bed wetters feel less damp.
Incontinence pants do the same thing Mr hove ::thumb::
Quote from: filham on November 09, 2023, 09:07:31 PMUnless we increase our goal scoring rate a definite yes.
Well 11 goals in the last three games is a great response , right now the "R"word should not appear on this board.
The answer to the question was always no! However, rather than points totals - perhaps we can start to think about where we are capable of finishing this season. I don't any reason why we can't aim to finish above West Ham, Brentford and Chelsea for starters. If we can get through the loss of players to the AFCON early next year (and not lose Palhinha), we could even challenge Brighton for 8th place...
Quote from: Lordedmundo on December 07, 2023, 10:53:42 AMThe answer to the question was always no! However, rather than points totals - perhaps we can start to think about where we are capable of finishing this season. I don't any reason why we can't aim to finish above West Ham, Brentford and Chelsea for starters. If we can get through the loss of players to the AFCON early next year (and not lose Palhinha), we could even challenge Brighton for 8th place...
Why stop there, we could win it!
Yep, never thought we were seriously in a fight for bottom 3, but do think we'll still be around the 13-16 mark which, all things considered, would still be an encouraging season with likely, a lot of important investment to come.
Since we're already seeing the "we're bang in trouble this season" talk, please keep it in this thread where we were 100% in a relegation fight despite never being near a relegation fight.
Quote from: Angus Telford on July 16, 2024, 01:11:42 AMCan we retain an equivalent thread where we could 100% "challenge for 8th place" despite never being near 8th place.
We challenged for 8th in each of the last two seasons. We didn't get there two seasons ago because Mitrovic got an 8 match ban, and last season Muniz took a little time to adjust. We aren't a million miles away.
I personally think 4 good additions this window could see us challenge.
Maybe will return to this after seeing the new signings,I think Lukic will be fine at DM but will need a strong midfielder next to him maybe Andre if this is true.
The thought at the back of my mind that scares me is that the league is far stronger this season than last. Imo all three of Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton are better positioned for survival than were Burnley, Luton and Sheff United. I think we need some signings.
Quote from: FreiBird on July 16, 2024, 12:58:05 AMSince we're already seeing the "we're bang in trouble this season" talk, please keep it in this thread where we were 100% in a relegation fight despite never being near a relegation fight.
This is what genuinely I love about lower-mid-table Premier League football. Within two or three games you can go from being doomed for eternity to pushing for Europe, and back again
I don't think it takes much for a side to be stronger than the three that came up last season, but that said, the three coming up are still not very good. I have zero concerns about relegation this season and if we add the quality that it seems as though we are trying to do then nobody else should have any concerns either.
Quote from: FFC1987 on December 07, 2023, 12:30:10 PMYep, never thought we were seriously in a fight for bottom 3, but do think we'll still be around the 13-16 mark which, all things considered, would still be an encouraging season with likely, a lot of important investment to come.
Glad you highlighted it to be honest. Wasn't wrong for a change! :slap: