News: Nah, I think I'll stay on - The Other Teams Thread [R]

Napoli was the team to avoid but it just might help us get 4th spot.Arsenal will have to field strong lineup or risk going out of competition which is their alternative for CL football.

 

The filthy scouse bastards want to win the league more than anything. This easier CL draw further fcks up those plans with extra mid-week matches.

 

They dont have xavi iniesta either who can unlock any midfield or defense. I think we have a chance perhaps Pogs time shine.. We need Herrera Jesse Martial back to full fitness.

 

Dont mind playing 2nd leg away.. In recent times it has also worked against Home team. Get 0-0 at OT or better win then can focus on away leg either way we will know what is required equation.

 

You expect us to keep a clean sheet at home to Barca?

 

Worth mentioning that City will face Spurs thrice in 10 days..

 

Yes. They do not have a good away record overall this season especially in the UCL.

 

Our defense has been barely manageable.

 

The ties vs Barca will take place on April 10th and 16th for the return leg. At least by then, we should have a fully fit team. Just have to keep our fingers crossed that we do not lose anyone else by then.
Still going to be very difficult of course, but I like some of our matchups. Would be amazed by a 0-0 draw at home: there will goals in both legs of this tie. Avoiding defeat (from the obvious morale point of view) is what matters in the first leg. As stated, because of our away form as of late, we should be feel confident that we could get a result at the Camp Nou.

 

It can happen... Why not ??

 

Of course, it can happen. But it's really not realistic for either teams imo. I like the chances of our attack vs Barca's defense. We need to (and really should) score at home. I reckon we'll do so in both legs.

 

Barca are one of the best teams left in the CL but we actually match up pretty well with them. If we can control the midfield and run at their suspect back line we can cause some problems. The issue is going to be keeping their front 3 quiet.

I thought Ajax we're primed for another upset but Juve are the worst possible draw for them. They need to face a team that will attack them and isn't so defensively organized. They won't be able to counter Juve like they did Madrid because Juve will get numbers back quick and have a shape. Ajax will struggle to break them down.

 

This, this this.

It's going to be a war of attrition and could be a factor in the top 4 race.

 

I think that is worse for Spurs than Shiteh bcuz of Spurs' mentality problems and their propensity to collapse.

 

Of course, that is still good for us.

 

Dembele is out with a hamstring injury at the moment: he's scheduled to be out for a month at least, so he'll be touch and go for the tie against us (for the first leg at the very least). Something worth noting, as I probably would prefer to have Coutinho wide left (on current form at least) for Barca as opposed to Dembele, who can just be a handful on his day with his pace and trickery.

 

Agreed. I don't love the thought of Dembele against Young. He would skin him for fun.

 

We have not done this is any of the big games Ole has managed. Barca is better at controlling midfield, more than any other side Ole has faced.

 

The physical aspect vs AY is definitely a big factor, but it also looks like when Dembele is on, his understanding with Messi can be frightening.
Coutinho is no slouch, as we well know, but it's also a fact that he's struggled a lot this season as well.

 

By control the midfield, I don't mean possession. I guess I should have said if we win the midfield battle. By that I mean if we effectively beat the press and transition well we have a good shot to cause them problems. Their midfielders aren't particularly athletic or physical. They don't have a player in that midfield that can contain Pogba if he's having an on day.

 

I'm not worried about Coutinho at all besides him having the odd 30 yard bomb in his pocket. I said it when he was at Pool and I still believe it, he's a bang average player with a world class long shot. I don't find him that good on the ball or that creative.

 

Let's just say that he was... efficient.

Also... ******** this draw. Definitely the toughest team we could have gotten. But I do think our matches against PSG were good preparation, for whatever that is worth.

 

I think people need to take a step back and be excited about this. We are vying for top 4,but again we should all just be happy that we’re playing entertaining football again. And we’re doing it in the worlds best club competition. I’m stoked.

Also, if we don’t play Matic, I seriously believe we can dominate their midfield. Their cbs are also very suspect. We need a lot of runs in behind because they’ll want to play a higher line. I think this is a great matchup for us.

 

We need to have a believe, Herrera and Fred behinds Pogs would be my preferred midfield. We cant match them at possession but we can hurt their suspect backline. Rashford Jesse Martial is enough pace to cause them worry. I dont care if we loose this will be a massive experience for our young attacking trio and litmus test for Lindelof Shaw and who ever share CB spot. I have no hope for Young contesting with Suarez / Coutinho / Dembele. Im excited for the match and lets see what Ole has in his locker to match or compete against Messi Barcelona.

 

Wow what a draw. No point in being afraid. This will really show what we are made out of. I hope we can win this, but I know it will be a tough one. Would like to have Ander back so he can mark Messi and take him out of the game that will improve our chances.