Champions League Match Day 1. Wednesday 17 September, Anfield, 8.00pm TV Channel TNT Sports 1. The teams have faced each other 8 times previously with Liverpool winning both of the last 2 games which were played in 2021. Predicted lineup: Alisson, Frimpong, Konaté, van Dijk, Robbo, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Gakpo, Salah, Ekitike
Can't say I enjoy this new format at all. I hope that we get into a solid position in the league and then use the squad more than going all out to win the league again.
Just fighting for top 8. After that top 24 will do Draw is fine. Win is on. Hope to actually use the games ro develop the system
I was willing to give it a chance, and I'm still undecided to a degree - but it does seem like there's really nothing to gain from coming in the top few places. That can lead to complacency, and it doesn't really solve the problem of a few dead rubbers that the old format suffered from.
I much prefer it. Playing 7 different teams is far more enjoyable than home and away v 3 teams tbh. in terms of finishing top They’ve changed it slightly this year so if you finish top you also guarantee a 2nd leg home time all the way to the final I believe. I think last year was bit of a fluke with psg being **** until Christmas, might be same again this year but top 8 is important to avoid the 1st knockout round though even if you then get a good team afterwards.
I was dubious before it kicked off last season but wore like the idea now; we get to play different teams, What's not to like
I'd like there to be a regular season prize. Its a league, if its in any way important then give some money if you must but make it worth something. Itll be expanded to more games eventually so this will come imo. Its is the super league in another form.
I just don't think there's enough reward for the top places in the league, and that will lead to teams playing at less than full throttle.
Totally agree, other than missing a game (or 2) what benefit does finishing in the top8 get you. In fact you are missing out on money as there is one less tie to get money in at the gate and for TV PSG went through the extra round last season, made no difference to them. Just make it top16 to go through, base the next round on table position and then 17-24 go into the EL
Don't agree, much rather play each team home and away. It's fairer. With the draw as it is now, some teams are getting easier matches away than others it seems. You also get a better assessment in regard to how you you are compared to another team if you play both home and away.
It's a Swiss model to enable a league table without everyone actually playing each other. It is what it is. Last year there were two wild cards in the lower reaches..they threw the whole thing into chaos and side who finished high ended up playing them
That's where its going. They'll push and push to remove domestic games and add games so they have this massive league and then a glorious post season super bowl cup. Waiting for the first final held in Qatar, USA or some such too. You know this is where its headed.
I watch the NBA each season and believe me the fans and the players are not really arsed about the league. So why follow that format? The playoffs start and the real competition kicks in.
Yeah, I conceded that in my first post on the subject: The new format doesn't change much in that regard, and I'm not seeing any real advantages beyond the greater variety of opponent and I don't think that's enough to compensate for the negatives.. I said I was in two minds, but the discussion has made me think on it a bit more, and I'm coming down on the nay side tbh.
We are already there imo. Groups in the old format were always just a warm up but you got a clear seeding in the last 16. The new league means top 8 is an advantage but only in number of games
