RodneyCisse Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 I don't mind going out to a club like Benfica, we've had a good run. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hanshithispantz Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 I don't mind going out to a club like Benfica, we've had a good run. It would be an honour. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mole_Toonfan Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 I don't mind going out to a club like Benfica, we've had a good run. Aye it will be a night to remember, honorable in fact. Edit: f*ck you Hans Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flip Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 Benfica is much better than Everton ( 5-0, 0-2 tie), While I can hardly deny you're better than us, it should be said we were missing quite literally an entire team for the first game, and still a fuckload of players for the 2nd. Think it'd be a close game nowadays. What's in my opinion easily underestimated is how the bug clubs from smaller competitions like Portugal or Holland can concentrate on their European campaign and still remain competitive domestically. In the bigger leagues, you can hardly afford to play less than at full strength, so these squads play many more high level games. To say a team like Benfica or Ajax would automatically be a top 5 side in the Premiership by virtue of their domestic dominance (even that is questionable in all honesty in both cases mentioned) or their results in Europe is a bit naive really. So, if we can win to arsenal, liverpool, and draw in old trafford, do you think we couldnt beat teams like west broom, swansea etc... lol ?? I cant say we could win regulary against united, city, etc... but against the other small clubs ?? I dont agree with you in that point... I think I've made my point clear. I'm from Holland, and I know first hand a team like Ajax can beat Man City in a single match, or maybe even in a knockout situation in Europe, but they would never be able to seriously compete with them in the Premiership because they wouldn't be able to rest players, or play at 50% in the second half the weekend before because they're already 3-0 up at half time against some no mark Eredivisie team. It's just not the same thing. But seeing as you seem so extremely convinced you would easily compete for the top 4 in the Premiership, you must be all but certain that you will beat Newcastle in this upcoming tie. We are just a lower table Premiership side after all..? just one point: Dont compare top portuguese teams with top dutch teams. Porto and Benfica are much better than ajax or psv, sorry. Rightio.. I also notice you have conveniently ignored my question about how confident you are about beating NUFC? Can I take it you don't want to go on record as saying you are as supremely confident as your arrogant behaviour suggests? I actually believe you are wrong. Benfica would definitely be a top 6 side in our league. I'd rank them above us and Liverpool at the moment. And fwiw, definitely don't compare dutch teams to portuguese teams as the portuguese league is far superior than the dutch league at the moment. I don't care how much you want to turn and twist, Benfica is a better team than Ajax and would definitely compete for a top 4 spot in our league. I'm not saying htey'd be a top 4 team, but they'd definitely be among the top 6 teams based on quality. This is however irrelevant to our game as exactly like you said any team can beat any team in a knockout situation, yet you wnt him to go on record saying that they will definitely beat us? pathetic. I fail to see how you can say Benfica would definitely be a top 6 side in our league if you are willing to concede that results in a knockout competition are not very representative of a team's strength. They've not even been a dominant force in their own league over the last decade. What I do know is Benfica's team looks good on paper, certainly, and they appear to be doing well this season (can't say I follow the Portuguese league intensively however). I respect them as a very tough challenge for NUFC to overcome, possibly too strong. But I really fail to see what Pardew has said that is so condescending about Benfica being able to challenge in the top 8/10 of the Premiership, if indeed he said it at all. I haven't read upon what Pardew said earlier. I say that because Benfica has been playing very good football, have very good players and have been playing well in Europe all season. They were really unlucky to go out in the group stages as they drew a first game to Celtic and then lost to Barcelona and Spartak Moscow in a freezing stadium. Saying they'd definitely be a top 6 team might be an exageration as they might get massive injuries. But Benfica is a huge club historically, and have a good youth system and good scouting network. Had they been in the PL they'd had the money to keep hold of many players tbf. What I mean is that I definitely believe them from what I've seen to be a better team than us and Liverpool hence the top six. Everything could happen though and you don't know how they'd perform at Stoke on a cold monday night. It's all irrelevant though I just find the portuguese league superior to the dutch Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flip Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 I don't mind going out to a club like Benfica, we've had a good run. It would be an honour. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stifler Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 And so my friend here we are. This is where it all ended once before, this is where despite it all, despite having no real further obstacles it all went wrong, still in a position to go through with 20 minutes left, injuries accruing, open chances missed, the impossible comeback, the stars aligned for the end. Now we are here again, back in Lisbon, back at the end, but this isn't going to be the end, this is the beginning of he end, the end of 44 years of hurt, this is the end of Benfica, this is revenge on Lisbon, the stars are going to align and they are going to align for us. Are you ready my friend? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flip Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 And so my friend here we are. This is where it all ended once before, this is where despite it all, despite having no real further obstacles it all went wrong, still in a position to go through with 20 minutes left, injuries accruing, open chances missed, the impossible comeback, the stars aligned for the end. Now we are here again, back in Lisbon, back at the end, but this isn't going to be the end, this is the beginning of he end, the end of 44 years of hurt, this is the end Of Benfica, this is revenge on Lisbon, the stars are going to align and they are going to align for us. Are you ready my friend? I read that with somehow thinking it was directed at jotenko. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kanji Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 And so my friend here we are. This is where it all ended once before, this is where despite it all, despite having no real further obstacles it all went wrong, still in a position to go through with 20 minutes left, injuries accruing, open chances missed, the impossible comeback, the stars aligned for the end. Now we are here again, back in Lisbon, back at the end, but this isn't going to be the end, this is the beginning of he end, the end of 44 years of hurt, this is the end Of Benfica, this is revenge on Lisbon, the stars are going to align and they are going to align for us. Are you ready my friend? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
David28 Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 And so my friend here we are. This is where it all ended once before, this is where despite it all, despite having no real further obstacles it all went wrong, still in a position to go through with 20 minutes left, injuries accruing, open chances missed, the impossible comeback, the stars aligned for the end. Now we are here again, back in Lisbon, back at the end, but this isn't going to be the end, this is the beginning of he end, the end of 44 years of hurt, this is the end of Benfica, this is revenge on Lisbon, the stars are going to align and they are going to align for us. Are you ready my friend? Bit like Aragorn speaking before the last big fight in Lord Of The Rings. Do it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 Portuguese league is a pushover. To compare the relative merits of Benfica and the PL "top 4" compare their recent Champs League record. Yes this year was poor for the English clubs but Benfica couldn't get out of a group containing Celtic and Spartak Moscow. M'lud, I rest my case. Las year we finish 1st in a group with man united With all due respect, I don't think Man Utd particularly see you as their rivals. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unbelievable Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 Benfica is much better than Everton ( 5-0, 0-2 tie), While I can hardly deny you're better than us, it should be said we were missing quite literally an entire team for the first game, and still a fuckload of players for the 2nd. Think it'd be a close game nowadays. What's in my opinion easily underestimated is how the bug clubs from smaller competitions like Portugal or Holland can concentrate on their European campaign and still remain competitive domestically. In the bigger leagues, you can hardly afford to play less than at full strength, so these squads play many more high level games. To say a team like Benfica or Ajax would automatically be a top 5 side in the Premiership by virtue of their domestic dominance (even that is questionable in all honesty in both cases mentioned) or their results in Europe is a bit naive really. So, if we can win to arsenal, liverpool, and draw in old trafford, do you think we couldnt beat teams like west broom, swansea etc... lol ?? I cant say we could win regulary against united, city, etc... but against the other small clubs ?? I dont agree with you in that point... I think I've made my point clear. I'm from Holland, and I know first hand a team like Ajax can beat Man City in a single match, or maybe even in a knockout situation in Europe, but they would never be able to seriously compete with them in the Premiership because they wouldn't be able to rest players, or play at 50% in the second half the weekend before because they're already 3-0 up at half time against some no mark Eredivisie team. It's just not the same thing. But seeing as you seem so extremely convinced you would easily compete for the top 4 in the Premiership, you must be all but certain that you will beat Newcastle in this upcoming tie. We are just a lower table Premiership side after all..? just one point: Dont compare top portuguese teams with top dutch teams. Porto and Benfica are much better than ajax or psv, sorry. Rightio.. I also notice you have conveniently ignored my question about how confident you are about beating NUFC? Can I take it you don't want to go on record as saying you are as supremely confident as your arrogant behaviour suggests? I actually believe you are wrong. Benfica would definitely be a top 6 side in our league. I'd rank them above us and Liverpool at the moment. And fwiw, definitely don't compare dutch teams to portuguese teams as the portuguese league is far superior than the dutch league at the moment. I don't care how much you want to turn and twist, Benfica is a better team than Ajax and would definitely compete for a top 4 spot in our league. I'm not saying htey'd be a top 4 team, but they'd definitely be among the top 6 teams based on quality. This is however irrelevant to our game as exactly like you said any team can beat any team in a knockout situation, yet you wnt him to go on record saying that they will definitely beat us? pathetic. I fail to see how you can say Benfica would definitely be a top 6 side in our league if you are willing to concede that results in a knockout competition are not very representative of a team's strength. They've not even been a dominant force in their own league over the last decade. What I do know is Benfica's team looks good on paper, certainly, and they appear to be doing well this season (can't say I follow the Portuguese league intensively however). I respect them as a very tough challenge for NUFC to overcome, possibly too strong. But I really fail to see what Pardew has said that is so condescending about Benfica being able to challenge in the top 8/10 of the Premiership, if indeed he said it at all. I haven't read upon what Pardew said earlier. I say that because Benfica has been playing very good football, have very good players and have been playing well in Europe all season. They were really unlucky to go out in the group stages as they drew a first game to Celtic and then lost to Barcelona and Spartak Moscow in a freezing stadium. Saying they'd definitely be a top 6 team might be an exageration as they might get massive injuries. But Benfica is a huge club historically, and have a good youth system and good scouting network. Had they been in the PL they'd had the money to keep hold of many players tbf. What I mean is that I definitely believe them from what I've seen to be a better team than us and Liverpool hence the top six. Everything could happen though and you don't know how they'd perform at Stoke on a cold monday night. It's all irrelevant though I just find the portuguese league superior to the dutch The Dutch league is in complete disarray at the moment, which is for a completely different topic as I actually blame the Premiership and its riches in large parts for that. Still, I am not so convinced Benfica is so much better than Ajax for example, even at this point in time and that could be extended to the entire league comparison really. What you have said for Benfica in your second paragraph (which I mostly agree with) is equally true for them, maybe even more so*. * God knows I hate Ajax btw, so it took a lot to say that.. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SuperShola! Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 Just went to get tickets for the home game. Only have seats left in Level 7. Must be close to selling out. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hanshithispantz Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 And so my friend here we are. This is where it all ended once before, this is where despite it all, despite having no real further obstacles it all went wrong, still in a position to go through with 20 minutes left, injuries accruing, open chances missed, the impossible comeback, the stars aligned for the end. Now we are here again, back in Lisbon, back at the end, but this isn't going to be the end, this is the beginning of he end, the end of 44 years of hurt, this is the end of Benfica, this is revenge on Lisbon, the stars are going to align and they are going to align for us. Are you ready my friend? "I wuz there when we broke Geordie hearts" Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yorkie Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 ------------------------------ Krul ------------------------------- Simpson --------- Taylor -------- Yanga ----------- Santon ----------------------------- Perch ------------------------------ --------------- Cabaye ------------- Sissoko ----------------- -- Jonas ---------------------------------------------- Obertan ----------------------------- Cisse ------------------------------ I think it will be that, but Anita in for Perch. I like Anita but he seems to have gone off the boil recently and I like Perch in that anchor man role. His limitations absolve him of criticism a lot of the time, but I actually think he's been one of the most consistent performers this season, whenever he's played. He plays a very simple role but it can be useful in certain games; just breaking up play by being a nuisance, but more importantly - the man keeps possession. It's not particularly progressive but at least we've got the sodding ball. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yorkie Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 Just went to get tickets for the home game. Only have seats left in Level 7. Must be close to selling out. Get in. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RodneyCisse Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 Looking like we could hit 50,000 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hanshithispantz Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 Sissoko not playing? Personally I'd want to see Jonas playing the role he did against Anzhi alongside Cabaye and Anita. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yorkie Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 Sissoko not playing? Personally I'd want to see Jonas playing the role he did against Anzhi alongside Cabaye and Anita. As if I forgot about him. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hanshithispantz Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 Was worried for a second there, thought he'd pulled out Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yorkie Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 Fuck's sake. As if I'm this pessimistic when we've got players like Cabaye, Sissoko and Cisse all fit and ready. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mole_Toonfan Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 Krul Simpson Taylor MYM Santon Cabaye Jonas Marveaux Sissoko Obertan Cisse For me, i really don't want to pick Obertan but i find myself with little choice tbh. Think i prefer Jonas to Perch in the middle as well. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hanshithispantz Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 We're stocked in midfield but massively miss penetration from the wings with Gouffran unavailable and Ben Arfa dead. Such a shame. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yorkie Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 For me, i really don't want to pick Obertan but i find myself with little choice tbh. Think i prefer Jonas to Perch in the middle as well. The cynic in me reckons Jonas isn't going to replicate that performance, so I'd rather have Perch in the middle ahead of either him or Anita (who is playing like the guy we saw at the start of the season). Don't trust Marveaux to defend against their full-backs (don't think he's got the work-rate to play in such a tough away game), whereas Jonas might at least make a nuisance of himself. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Numbers Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 French ref, if he's French then he must be a Cabaye fan..expect a dubious decision to go our way. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unbelievable Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 For me, i really don't want to pick Obertan but i find myself with little choice tbh. Think i prefer Jonas to Perch in the middle as well. The cynic in me reckons Jonas isn't going to replicate that performance, so I'd rather have Perch in the middle ahead of either him or Anita (who is playing like the guy we saw at the start of the season). Don't trust Marveaux to defend against their full-backs (don't think he's got the work-rate to play in such a tough away game), whereas Jonas might at least make a nuisance of himself. First Shola, now Jonas to make a nuisance of himself. Are we going over there just to make a nuisance of ourselves..? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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