colinmk Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 I would say villa have an excellent spine but need to freshen up those around it a bit. Therefore they are halfway there while we need to build a spine but will have some class players to play around it if you understand what I mean so we are a bit behind villa at the moment. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
afar Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 Villa - Dull, possibly. Unspired? With MON in charge? The score away to Villa? They are a difficult team to beat. Scored more goals than anyone except Man United this season. Not dull. A traditional, quality winger in Ashley Young? Not dull. The pace of Agbonlahor? Not dull. Combined with the power of Carew? Not dull. The passing of Barry? Not dull. Currently in with a very good chance of finishing 5th, two years after having looked odds on for relegation, and not even having started spending properly yet? Not dull. I admire your optimism, but you're just pretending other teams don't exist and not really providing any arguments to back up your theory. It was indeed a great result at WHL but by that measure, West Ham have beaten Man U the last three times they've played. All hail next year's champions from East London. Everton dull and workmanlike? And fifth in the league. It is a very competitive league and will get more so. Villa at the moment remind me very much of Robson's Newcastle. A Shearer would have you in the top 3 in my opinion. Villa should go all out for Villa, he could be the man for you guys. I don't think scoring goals is actually a problem for Villa at the moment. No, but a top top striker would really change the dimension of the Villa team, allowing them to defend from the front much like we did with Griffin, bramble, O'Brien and Bernard in defence. A goalkeeper (not Carson) A right side midfielder (Milner would do) A right back (preferably two - Nelson from Benfica will prob be one) A left back (god knows who) A goal scorer (god knows) That's what we need to really push on next season. Although I like Milner, I'm not convinced he's of a high enough quality to take you into the top 4. Other than that I think you're right, you are about 4 or 5 players from improving on this year's finish. Assuming you don't loose any of your better players that is. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ridman Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 Villa - Dull, possibly. Unspired? With MON in charge? The score away to Villa? They are a difficult team to beat. Scored more goals than anyone except Man United this season. Not dull. A traditional, quality winger in Ashley Young? Not dull. The pace of Agbonlahor? Not dull. Combined with the power of Carew? Not dull. The passing of Barry? Not dull. Currently in with a very good chance of finishing 5th, two years after having looked odds on for relegation, and not even having started spending properly yet? Not dull. I admire your optimism, but you're just pretending other teams don't exist and not really providing any arguments to back up your theory. It was indeed a great result at WHL but by that measure, West Ham have beaten Man U the last three times they've played. All hail next year's champions from East London. Everton dull and workmanlike? And fifth in the league. It is a very competitive league and will get more so. Villa at the moment remind me very much of Robson's Newcastle. A Shearer would have you in the top 3 in my opinion. Villa should go all out for Villa, he could be the man for you guys. I don't think scoring goals is actually a problem for Villa at the moment. No, but a top top striker would really change the dimension of the Villa team, allowing them to defend from the front much like we did with Griffin, bramble, O'Brien and Bernard in defence. A goalkeeper (not Carson) A right side midfielder (Milner would do) A right back (preferably two - Nelson from Benfica will prob be one) A left back (god knows who) A goal scorer (god knows) That's what we need to really push on next season. Although I like Milner, I'm not convinced he's of a high enough quality to take you into the top 4. Other than that I think you're right, you are about 4 or 5 players from improving on this year's finish. Assuming you don't loose any of your better players that is. With Melberg going to Juve, Carson returning to Liverpool and Barry possibly leaving, you'll have a lot to do in the summer. How much ya think Villa will spend this summer, Brummie? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cronky Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 I can't see anyone challenging the top four. Even Liverpool - generally regarded as the weakest of the four - are capable of a standard of football that's beyond the rest. It really all depends on who buys who. But Everton's position is no fluke. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Lol Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 Villa - Dull, possibly. Unspired? With MON in charge? The score away to Villa? They are a difficult team to beat. Scored more goals than anyone except Man United this season. Not dull. A traditional, quality winger in Ashley Young? Not dull. The pace of Agbonlahor? Not dull. Combined with the power of Carew? Not dull. The passing of Barry? Not dull. Currently in with a very good chance of finishing 5th, two years after having looked odds on for relegation, and not even having started spending properly yet? Not dull. I admire your optimism, but you're just pretending other teams don't exist and not really providing any arguments to back up your theory. It was indeed a great result at WHL but by that measure, West Ham have beaten Man U the last three times they've played. All hail next year's champions from East London. Everton dull and workmanlike? And fifth in the league. It is a very competitive league and will get more so. If you read my post again, you'll see that I didn't say Villa, the team or the players, were dull. CentrePaddock said Villa were dull, I was conceding that he could possibly view Villa as such, but I refuted everything else he said. For the record, I don't think Villa are in any way shape of form dull, nor is MON an uninspiring manager. You said you I admire my optimism (for Spurs presumably), I hadn't realised I had. My predictions for 08/09 were: 5. Aston Villa 6. Everton 7. Tottenham Hotspur 8. Portsmouth 9. Newcastle United 10. Blackburn with the proviso that Pompey could easily go above Spurs and take 7th. If you'd like to explain where my optimism stems from, I'll be happy to be enlightened. BTW, my comments to CentrePaddock regarding the away score at Villa referred to Newcastle's match, not Spurs'. I don't think CP would have been too bothered how Spurs got on there tbh. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
afar Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 Acutally MJ I think you are being optimistic with 7th or 8th. Got a feeling Ramos is not the silver bullet the media would have us believe. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thespence Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 Spurs will implode, the Spaniard & Uruguayan will get hacked off with the French DOF & Levy will buckle & do something zany. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Lol Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 Acutally MJ I think you are being optimistic with 7th or 8th. Got a feeling Ramos is not the silver bullet the media would have us believe. I think the jury is still out tbh. There are good players within the squad still (though is dross as well), it depends on how the squad is reshaped and how well Ramos gets them to perform. He did achieve success against Arse and Chelsea in cup competition, something that MJ never achieved. Right now I'm not saying just how good Ramos is because I really don't know. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
McCormick Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 Spurs'll do well but i doubt they'll get in the top 6. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
midds Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 Got a feeling Spurs will have a real go at top 4 next season. They've got the manager and the beginnings of a good squad. The signing of Modric is a signal of intent and they'll do well next year. They're still short defensively but I think they'll tighten up whilst still being a threat up front. If we finish above them I'll be well happy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 Actually the thread started out as a league predictor for next year, it received a name change in the title for some reason. Bit of both really. I changed the title within a couple of minutes. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brummie Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 And a replacement for Barry Oooh check you out! Grow up, I'm not biting. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brummie Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 Villa - Dull, possibly. Unspired? With MON in charge? The score away to Villa? They are a difficult team to beat. Scored more goals than anyone except Man United this season. Not dull. A traditional, quality winger in Ashley Young? Not dull. The pace of Agbonlahor? Not dull. Combined with the power of Carew? Not dull. The passing of Barry? Not dull. Currently in with a very good chance of finishing 5th, two years after having looked odds on for relegation, and not even having started spending properly yet? Not dull. I admire your optimism, but you're just pretending other teams don't exist and not really providing any arguments to back up your theory. It was indeed a great result at WHL but by that measure, West Ham have beaten Man U the last three times they've played. All hail next year's champions from East London. Everton dull and workmanlike? And fifth in the league. It is a very competitive league and will get more so. If you read my post again, you'll see that I didn't say Villa, the team or the players, were dull. CentrePaddock said Villa were dull, I was conceding that he could possibly view Villa as such, but I refuted everything else he said. For the record, I don't think Villa are in any way shape of form dull, nor is MON an uninspiring manager. You said you I admire my optimism (for Spurs presumably), I hadn't realised I had. My predictions for 08/09 were: 5. Aston Villa 6. Everton 7. Tottenham Hotspur 8. Portsmouth 9. Newcastle United 10. Blackburn with the proviso that Pompey could easily go above Spurs and take 7th. If you'd like to explain where my optimism stems from, I'll be happy to be enlightened. BTW, my comments to CentrePaddock regarding the away score at Villa referred to Newcastle's match, not Spurs'. I don't think CP would have been too bothered how Spurs got on there tbh. The quotes were bollocksed up, i was quoting your post, but actually replying to centrepaddock, sorry! I was admiring centrepaddock's optimism as well, not yours, MJ! Cross purposes innit. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brummie Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 I can't see anyone challenging the top four. Even Liverpool - generally regarded as the weakest of the four - are capable of a standard of football that's beyond the rest. It really all depends on who buys who. But Everton's position is no fluke. ^^^^ this ^^^^ is all true. The gap between the Sky4 and the rest is huge. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamie Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 1. Man Utd 2. Chelsea 3. Arsenal 4. Liverpool 5. Villa 6. Toon 7. Everton 8. Spurs 9. Man City 10. Pompey 11. Blackburn 12. West Ham 13. Boro 14. Sunderland 15. Wigan 16. Reading 17. Brum/Bolton 18. West Brom 19. Promoted Team 20. Stoke Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brummie Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 With Melberg going to Juve, Carson returning to Liverpool and Barry possibly leaving, you'll have a lot to do in the summer. How much ya think Villa will spend this summer, Brummie? We need to spend a lot. We didn't spend much the last year, so the money is definitely there, he just needs to get deals sewn up quickly this year. Mellberg - although I fucking love the bloke - has been on a downward slop for two years now, but has done well at RB for us this season. He wouldnt have got a game had we had a dedicated RB at the club. I'm going to miss him, though. Carson will be sent back, I reckon. Barry I think will stay. We've got a lot of spending to do. Sorensen will also be leaving and Taylor our sub keeper is very iffy. Luke Moore will make his move to Albion permanent, and Patrik Berger is not getting a new contract. An awful lot of work to do this summer, but I am incredibly optimistic. I'm also frustrated though. If he can do this with the smallest squad in the league, then what might he have done with more bodies, if he hadnt ballsed up the January window? He's a really infuriating manager in many ways, but I absolutely love the guy and wouldn't want anyone else. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brummie Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 I know this is controversial, but I think Boro could well have a good season next year. Southgate has the nucleus of a decent side, they've shown it in spells this season. If he buys well, they'll do OK. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 I think we are probably missing some quality and leadership at centre half too. But apart from that I agree. The problem we'll also encounter is the likes of Villa, Spurs, Man City and Everton will also improve as will the top 4. You're right about us missing some quality and leadership at centre half but we've proven recently that you can get away with that if you can keep the pressure off the defence. Getting the midfield right will do as much for the defence as it will for the rest of the team, replacing Butt with somebody who can actually find his own team mates with the ball will help in that respect. Of the 4 teams you mention, I’m not too concerned about them if we get our game right, Spurs and Man City don’t usually have the stamina to put a full season together, Spurs are more likely to win a cup than do well in the league. Man City is possibly going to press the self destruct button, Everton and Villa may do well but none of us know for sure how either will do at this stage. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yorkie Posted May 3, 2008 Share Posted May 3, 2008 I know this is controversial, but I think Boro could well have a good season next year. Southgate has the nucleus of a decent side, they've shown it in spells this season. If he buys well, they'll do OK. Do they really though? With the players he's got at the moment, they're certainly not top half material imo. They're decent, organised, one or two good players - but i don't see anything in their squad, or their manager, to suggest they'll get anywhere soon. Quite a few people have said this, particularly since they got a result up at our place. Like i say, they're decent enough, but i just don't see it. They're six points away from us (after a terrible season), and three from Sunderland. They'll be nothing but also-rans unless there's some serious change-around there, as far as i'm concerned. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamie Posted May 3, 2008 Share Posted May 3, 2008 I can't see Boro getting past the likes of Pompey, Man City etc... Maybe not even West Ham..... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yorkie Posted May 3, 2008 Share Posted May 3, 2008 For what it's worth, i'm going to sit firmly on the fence and say that it's impossible to predict the outcomes, with any accuracy. For shits and giggles, though: 4. Spurs -------------------- 5. Liverpool 6. Aston Villa 7. Everton 8. Newcastle 9. Blackburn 10. Portsmouth I can see Liverpool finally falling away from the pack if they keep Benitez, which they will; i can see Spurs and Villa both spending well, better than Everton; Harry Redknapp isn't going to mastermind Portsmouth anywhere near the top 4; Blackburn will always be decent; and we'll test the water before raging war the season after; Man City - who knows? I reckon they'll slip. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarrenBartonCentrePartin Posted May 3, 2008 Share Posted May 3, 2008 Pompey won't finish any higher than 8th I think. They seem to burn out towards the end of the season after a good start. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
merlin Posted May 3, 2008 Share Posted May 3, 2008 5th - Villa 6th - Spurs 7th - Newcastle 8th - Portsmouth 9th - Everton 10th - Man City Agree with most of your comments'selections, Dave, although I would put Everton above Pompey next season...still think NUFc could reach Top 6 IF we get the signings KK wants.. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
merlin Posted May 3, 2008 Share Posted May 3, 2008 5th - Villa 6th - Newcastle 7th - Spurs 8th - Everton 9th - Portsmouth 10th - West Brom I have a suspicion that one of the top 4 might get dislodged next season though. f****** hope so anyway and if it happens next season it will be great for us if we are building the start of a really good side. west brom above man city? Aye if Sven goes then man city are f***** next season I reckon. West Brom I fancy to do a Reading since Mowbray is a good manager who knows how to play good football. Agree with this - WBA might surprise a few people and Mowbray IS a good manager. If they do well, the sky is the limit for him in future, he is only 44.. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronaldo Posted May 3, 2008 Share Posted May 3, 2008 5th - Spurs 6th - Villa 7th - Everton 8th - Newcastle 9th - Pompey 10th - Boro Boro are going down next year imo. To be honest it's actually an injustice if they dont go down this season, absolute garbage outfit Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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