<jazzhands> I thought I'd start a thread specifically for dining at the top table type chat I was asked for a prediction for us yesterday and I gave the following breakdown (whether this was realistic, optimistic or otherwise will be dealt with later): 1 point off Barca 3 points off Benfica 4 points off Spartak This would probably equal third place (unless there are lots of draws elsewhere) and a wee Europa jaunt. I thought I'd look at my "prediction" in more detail - there's every chance we'll get six doings and finish on hee haw points. We're all just pleased to be there etc etc but I don't see it going that way at all (recent performances in Europe have been great - the home game against Helsingborg first half was the best we've played in a while IMHO) In previous seasons, I'd have assumed any points off Barca would be from a tumultuous home leg with the token 3-0 pasting in the Camp Nou - this year, I think there's every possibility that will be reversed with the pressure off in our away games. Both Barca games also, to me, will swing on the basis of two players' performances in particular (and, especially the game at Parkhead) - Wanyama and Samaras. If we've to have any joy against them, Sammy is the creator. Victor bossing their midfield seems both improbable yet vital - he could be run ragged at home and it's an unfair burden for such young shoulders but a home win against Barca would absolutely DEPEND on Wanyama - this game could be the making or the breaking of him. We've played Benfica before (more than once) - I suspect we'll beat them at home with a penalty in a noisy bad tempered game but get boabied in the dunger in Lisbon. Spartak - therein lies our chance. We've put in a brilliant performance at their ground before (Hartley's header - I think we won) and that will be our best chance of an away victory - the game in Moskva could be the game that a successful campaign hangs on - 6 points over them would see us second, I reckon. There is, of course, every chance that we'll get hee haw aff them and end up bottom - I'm prepared for that, it is still a young, cheap team we have but we CAN punch above our weight. Sooooo, we could win five games out of six (can't even in my most optimistic see six), we could get around 8 points as I've predicted or we could end up with zero points and a -20 goal difference (I really can't see this either - someone has got to ****e it at Parkhead). The important thing will be keeping this team together after they've gained this experience - I've got big hopes but small expectations.
It's a good thread this, bib Well written and considered with the right amount of enthusiasm on a topic that will generate plenty of considered discussion. I say we make it a sticky <seconded>
If you read all of this you need to get a life I'm unsure as to how we'll do. I think the first game against Benfica at CP is one where we need to get 3 points from. Starting off with a win would do the team a world of good. Never thought I'd agree that the form of Samaras may be vital in taking points in the CL.
Totally agree. Dunno if anyone else remembers our first ever home group game against Porto? We won 1-0 with a Larsson goal and it was a pretty meaty game - we had loads of chances first half, took the lead, and then battled second half - nervous atmosphere but really, really noisy I see it being a bit like that - I hope not, I hope we play like the first half against Helsingborg but I just see it being a tight affair.
0 points off Barca 3 points off Spartak 2 points from Benfica Five points and out on goal difference.
I can honestly see us getting about 4 points, with a home win against Spartak and a home draw against Benfica, or vice versa. Granted that European performances of late have been impressive but that's been against teams we should beat every single time, home and away, wihtout fail. Barca, Benfica and Spartak are 3 teams with a ****load of European experience from the last 5 seasons. Benfica (and Basel) stuck United out of the CL Group Stages only last season. I just think that the real achievement has been getting there for the 1st time in 4 seasons. Any extras are just a bonus, and just being there will be a huge experience for us as a young and talented team. Spot on
To be honest I can't recall a CL campaign where i was so laid back about the results. Naturally I want to do well and perhaps see us qualify for the last 16, but considering the age of the squad and lack of CL experience it would be no surprise if we only got a couple of points, it would be disappointing of course but certainly not a shock nor something to start chastising the team for. Hopefully we will beat Spartak and Benfica at home, perhaps with a bit of luck we may even get a draw with Barca, however, as much as I would like to see us gain some away points I don't really expect it. We have nothing to lose because qualifying for the Groups is a massive achievement on it's own, if by some chance we finish 3rd in the Group I would regard that as a major result and I would be more than happy with that.
ive got a wee sneaky we might do something here....... need away points on the board - 2 draws would be fine 2 tight home wins against benfica and spartak and i think a wee 8 pointer will see us through barca will kick our ****s in
So far, the estimates range from: 2 (Admiral Pure) 4 (Jiffy, Eric Cartman, Rebel and OSP) 5 (Stereo, theshadowknows) 6 (Brum) 7 (Dev (when pushed), Pud (when insulted), Jim the Tim) 8 (Me, Simon and Ciaran, RL) 9 (Medro) 18 (Venom being a prick) Thing is, getting only 2 points will be no disgrace as long as we don't get any more than one absolute doing (getting bumpillaged at the Camp Nou is no source of shame). I'll be well chuffed if we don't come bottom - couple of big results, though, and qualifying isn't entirely beyond us
I'd be delighted if we got 3rd and at least a couple of more games in the Europa League/Cup or whatever they're calling it these days.
I'll be happy if barca take there foot of the gas at 2-0. 0 points of barca, 3 points from benfica and 1 from spartak. love the optimism but its been 4 years since we were last here and Scottish football has declined since then i.m.o.
More realistic than mine, perhaps - I'll amend the point table above worth googling - Rangers went through with 8 and, at the time, it was the lowest total to qualify ever.
Someone should bookmark this thread. No doubt when we eventually finish bottom of the group the likes of Nev and MD will be on gloating and accusing us of having "Celtic in the last 16 before a games been played".
