ilikenewcastle

We've literally not lost all season when we have a full strength or close to full strength team (I think 5 or 6 were missing v Liverpool?). Provided we don't bottle the occasion, we definitely have a very real chance.

Their fans seem to be under the impression that they play sensational football these days, but whenever I watch the games are quite close and they get the breaks. With Bruno back we have half a chance.

TBH I've always found it weird/arbitrary that people target top 8. Why not top 7 and a good chance of Europe?

I'd take a point if we get a much improved performance. A point also means we'd get through the Bruno ban still in the top 4 and I'd be satisfied with that.

The amount of times we have a disappointing result but strengthen our position in the Top 4 is crazy. I still think Spurs will edge it but I definitely back us to stay in the fight and I feel quietly confident of at least Top 6 and Europa.

Although we've dropped a few points recently, does anyone else feel like our chances of getting top 4 have actually increased since the WC? I'd say there's now a 1% chance that either Liverpool or Chelsea challenge for it. I think it's only really Spurs and Brighton who can catch us. Spurs will have their ups and downs and we don't know if Brighton can go the distance any more than we can.

You wouldn't think Spurs were still behind us having played a game more! There will be twists and turns from now until May. As for us not getting a better opportunity to finish top 4 than this season, we absolutely will. Many times.

If Titus Bramble can be a Premier League regular for over a decade then anything is possible.

I'm hoping this run of draws is similar to August/September and that our October/November (ie battering everyone!) will come soon. As for top 4, part of me thinks we probably won't get it because of a lack of squad depth, but I also can't make a strong case for anyone below us getting it either. Spurs are probably most likely. I think 9 wins (and a few draws) will be enough for us to do it.

Blimey just had a look at their League Cup final thread and it's actually a bit deranged. This run of form they're on has reminded me how much I can't stand them. Been a joke for the last few years, but a few good results and the unbelievable arrogance of the fans and media bumlicking is back with a vengeance.

Unless we just get completely overwhelmed by the occasion, there's no way this won't be a very close match right? If so, we can win it. Why not?

A replay would have been ideal, but I'm delighted to see Liverpool out. After the scandalous disallowed Wolves goal in the last round and the pathetic refereeing today, would have been horrible to see them get through.

I think it's just a lazy opinion to slag off his distribution. He's no Ederson but he's fine.

Sanctimonious Man U fans are the worst. Really hoping they lose a game soon and fall apart, I don't think their place in the top 4 is as guaranteed as some people make out.

Yes absolutely essential we avoid going to the Etihad.

I think it was very unfortunate timing. 2 games a week since boxing day, a very tough game on Tuesday v Arsenal and a huge opportunity next week to make a semi final. Eddie was right to make changes for the game against a League 1 side and I think anyone else would have done the same. I maybe would have put Wilson on the bench if only for the least 15 minutes but I think most people were satisfied with the team he put out before kick off.

Feels very big now. Not just the chance of a semi final, but to go out of 2 cups in a few days would be a bit of a disaster to be honest. Would be a huge test of character if we go out. I expect a tense game, either 1-0 to us or penalties :/

I certainly fancy us to score tomorrow with Wilson back, their defence hasn't looked brilliant since the restart. I think they'll probably have too much for us but if we score - with our defensive record - you just never know...

I'm no fan of Martinez but I think some of the talk of failing with the golden generation is a bit overblown. 2018 was peak Belgium and they might just as easily have won that semi with France. For me Euro 2016 under Wilmots was the biggest wasted opportunity.

Is the concept of countries being pronounced differently in different countries genuinely new to this journalist?

Absolutely furious with the non traditional shorts colours here.

That annoys me. It's just some weird quirk, it's not essential to drop points in a game at least once and no excuse for playing for a draw v USA.

Really need Spain to dent the German goal difference to keep this group exciting. A small win for Spain and Germany will beat Costa Rica and go through with 3 points.

I don't like it when players become 'better' the more time they spend on the bench, but Foden is a word class player that most managers would build a team around. At first we started shoehorning him into the team and getting little out of him, now we've just given up completely it would seem.

I don't remember anyone talking about Italy as potential winners in 2006 and they'd just had a couple of poor tournaments. Obviously they had a load of great players but they're probably the most unlikely winners since my first WC in 98.