Race for the Top 4 - 2018/19

[coys200]

After NLD we have 8 home games from 12 games. 4pts from Chelsea and Arsenal and we are in fantastic shape.

 

[G Ron]

If we can get in the new stadium in January I think it’ll lift the whole club so much that we’ll have a really strong second half of the season. Keep nicking scrappy wins and this could be Epic!

COYS

 

[eddiev14]

After a really tough run the last thing I wanted to see was Arsenal and Chelsea in the next two matches. Especially given that we’ve done so well but have no real advantage in the race for Top 4.

Given that there’s basically no daylight between us and 5th we really need to up our performance levels for those two matches.

I agree that if we took 4 points then it’d put us in a great position. Can see us getting 1-2 points if we play like we did today or second half against Wolves.

Wish we could hold back Kane for the international break.

 

[Mr Pink]

After a really tough run the last thing I wanted to see was Arsenal and Chelsea in the next two matches. Especially given that we’ve done so well but have no real advantage in the race for Top 4.

Given that there’s basically no daylight between us and 5th we really need to up our performance levels for those two matches.

I agree that if we took 4 points then it’d put us in a great position. Can see us getting 1-2 points if we play like we did today or second half against Wolves.

Wish we could hold back Kane for the international break.

The thing is these are the games that we do turn up for. Even against City, who are on another level to these two, we matched stride for stride and fully deserved a draw.

We need Dier back. He's underestimated massively by some, but we look so vulnerable without his leadership and the back four arnt protected as well. Its not eye catching but he's very effective and integral to our defensive shape.

 

[eddiev14]

The thing is these are the games that we do turn up for. Even against City, who are on another level to these two, we matched stride for stride and fully deserved a draw.

We need Dier back. He's underestimated massively by some, but we look so vulnerable without his leadership and the back four arnt protected as well. Its not eye catching but he's very effective and integral to our defensive shape.

Totally agree on Dier.

Regarding us turning up, let’s see if we do again. Very important that we do.

 

[Gb160]

After NLD we have 8 home games from 12 games. 4pts from Chelsea and Arsenal and we are in fantastic shape.

Honestly I'd be content with 2 points... 4 would be excellent considering the way we're playing.

 

[coys200]

We have as many away wins this season as Arsenal have this season plus last season lol.

 

[coys200]

After a really tough run the last thing I wanted to see was Arsenal and Chelsea in the next two matches. Especially given that we’ve done so well but have no real advantage in the race for Top 4.

Given that there’s basically no daylight between us and 5th we really need to up our performance levels for those two matches.

I agree that if we took 4 points then it’d put us in a great position. Can see us getting 1-2 points if we play like we did today or second half against Wolves.

Wish we could hold back Kane for the international break.

Appreciate what you’re saying but you also have to appreciate that after today we will have 3 home games in hand over most of our rivals. Considering last season most of the top 6 bar city won about 50% of their away games would hope that advantage should come into play later in season.

 

[bubble07]

What is the best outcome for us in the Manchester derby? Do we want to be ambitious and want a United win?

 

[shelfboy68]

Honestly I'd be content with 2 points... 4 would be excellent considering the way we're playing.

After defeats to both Liverpool and city at home we are due a win against one of our main top four rivals, and so I think we will beat Chelsea next week one nil will do but a result could really get us going imo.

 

[Lilbaz]

What is the best outcome for us in the Manchester derby? Do we want to be ambitious and want a United win?

Yep. A draw would be nice though.

 

[coys200]

I’d say a draw is always best if we’ve won until later in season and we know exactly what we need.

 

[spursfan77]

If we can get in the new stadium in January I think it’ll lift the whole club so much that we’ll have a really strong second half of the season. Keep nicking scrappy wins and this could be Epic!

COYS

Conversely not being in it may well come back to haunt us. Everyone will be pissed off.

 

[Doctor Dinkey]

Honestly I'd be content with 2 points... 4 would be excellent considering the way we're playing.

2 points would be fine. We've just got to stop them getting away from us. Realistically we're up against it for both games, as both teams are playing well, and look dangerous up front, but with Messi Sissoko in our lineup you never know...

 

[mark87]

Its crazy to think we're almost on 30 points already. Hopefully we can get there by the end of November.

 

[ajspurs]

After a really tough run the last thing I wanted to see was Arsenal and Chelsea in the next two matches. Especially given that we’ve done so well but have no real advantage in the race for Top 4.

Given that there’s basically no daylight between us and 5th we really need to up our performance levels for those two matches.

I agree that if we took 4 points then it’d put us in a great position. Can see us getting 1-2 points if we play like we did today or second half against Wolves.

Wish we could hold back Kane for the international break.

I'm actually not greatly bothered about having to play the two of them. If I'm completely honest I can't see us winning the NLD, I'm just not sure we'll get away with playing the way we are against Arsenal when I can see them raising their game being the home team. Chelsea at home is a great way to make a statement though and is definitely a winnable match, that's how I see it.

It is a shame we don't have a bit more security in our position after a good run of results but those two matches won't define our final league standing. I fully expect Arsenal in particular to eventually start dropping numerous points against teams outside the top 6 from here until the end. They're a better team now, but I'll be shocked if they keep up this run of results. I don't think they've had any key injuries to content with either. People talk about our lack of squad depth all the time but we've had to deal with numerous injuries over the last few seasons and this season so far and have done so quite well. With Chelsea for instance, seems like Hazard is never bloody injured and they're incredibly lucky for that, they'd suffer quite a bit if he were IMO.

I think most importantly, even if we don't get the results we want, our focus has to be about improving as a team and playing better football. Not to please the fans, if we get top 4 playing as we are now I wouldn't care about the lack of excitement and I feel we can get away with this level against most teams in the league but it's when you come up against the other top 6 teams in particular in which you feel the football may be required to be a bit better. I don't think we would have lost to either Liverpool or City at home had we been in our groove just that little bit. Eriksen and Dier returning to play regularly will help, as well as Rose and eventually Vertonghen. Then we'll have the January window and hopefully the new stadium as great boosts.

I didn't think we'd struggle as much as others thought after a disappointing summer window and having to play at Wembley but with everything in mind I think we've done really well to even be where we are now.

All I wished for was to be in the top 4 or in touching distance by January and we're well on course for achieving that.

 

[spurs]

If the bottom three carry on at the same points per game, then Cardiff (18th) get to 25 points. We may already be safe.

 

[Colonel Dax]

What is the best outcome for us in the Manchester derby? Do we want to be ambitious and want a United win?

City win for me. It’s good to be ambitious but I doubt we’re gonna win the title this season. Rather keep Utd out of the top 4.

 

[JCRD]

Apart from Chelsea and Man City - i think we are all struggling with performances. I mean im thinking about it in hindsight, look at Liverscum - they beat palace with a penalty and beat Huddersfield by the skin of their teeth. Arsenal have played well at times but defensively shocking and could have dropped a fair few more points than they have. Manure are manure - inconsistent I guess,

We have had some right old luck but so have those teams ive mentioned.

I think the games after the international break are crucial not just because of whats at stake but they could be the catalyst for further progress - beating Chelscum is huge.

 

[eddiev14]

Appreciate what you’re saying but you also have to appreciate that after today we will have 3 home games in hand over most of our rivals. Considering last season most of the top 6 bar city won about 50% of their away games would hope that advantage should come into play later in season.

Very fair point. Hopefully we’ll be playing at home soon!