DISQUS

tyduffy · 2 years ago

I think that you are right symbolically, but not in terms of fact.


What is going to determine whether those clubs can compete with the big boys is whether or not they start pounding on the little ones and climbing up the table. It is a boost psychologically, but realistically they aren't more important than any other matches.



West Ham got results against Man U and Arsenal last season, but that doesn't mean they are on the verge of breaking into the top four. It has to be backed up by an entire year's worth of performances.

Anonymous · 2 years ago

Yeah, you're absolutely right that playing Blackburn, Everton, Pompey, and Spurs will prepare the big four for the CL.


I mean, it's not like three English teams made the semi-finals last year or anything.

The Gaffer · 2 years ago

...And how many Premier League teams made it to the final? And how many of those finalists actually won the Big Ears trophy?


Cheers,

The Gaffer

Anonymous · 2 years ago

Hmmm...Only one of Chelsea and Liverpool could make it into the final. ManU lost to AC Milan in the semis. AC Milan beat Liverpool in the final.


Hmmmm...you're right! Playing Blackburn, Everton, Pompey, and Spurs will help the English teams learn how to beat AC Milan!



;)

Anonymous · 2 years ago

What a day tomorrow!
Thank God for Direct TV-I get to watch my beloved Liverpool on Setanta Xtra!

My predictions: Everton over United(overdue from last season); Arsenal over Tottenham(Spurs defense is still attrocious); Liverpool winning a close one over Pompey, maybe a tie; Chelsea-Blackburn: 2:1 or a tie.

The Scout · 2 years ago

Gaffer,


I agree with you. I'd love to see some change in the top four and I am a long-time Man United fan as you know. The EPL "title race" is often a bit dull, especially when you consider what was happening in La Liga at the end of last season with several clubs in the hunt right to the end.

Anonymous · 2 years ago

Regardless of what happens the same teams as last year will be in the top four come the end of season.

Simon Burke · 2 years ago

I dont mind if the top 4 dont change as long as its a top four we are talking about and not a top 2 by Xmas.
I'll be stunned if the top 4 win this week - Chelsea have the easy tie - Blackburn at home - and thats not easy.

Its a great weekend - I have my viewing plan set up but am hoping Setanta dont give me the Liverpool score during United match and they probably will.



PLaying these teams has nothing to do with Champions League however - if anything it detracts from their preparations for the midweek European games.

Rob · 2 years ago

I don't see liverpool pompey showing up on setanta extra for tomorrow!!


Channel 670 right?

Anonymous · 2 years ago

Gaffer-


What's the tie breaker for points in the EPL standings? I don't understand why Arsenal is on top of the table right now when Liverpool have a greater goal differential...



Thank you.

jm · 2 years ago

Anon,


Arsenal currently has 13 points, to only 11 for Liverpool. Liverpool's goal differential would only matter if the two teams were tied in points.