Sibierski Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 The only thing that’s interesting in the new format when going into final game is the jig around in positions because you know which two teams you are likely facing. Less so this year because the bottom half of the 9-24 look poor, but last year when you had some big sides in the bottom part, it was going from a tough game to an easy game as each goal went in. Bit more exciting as a neutral compared to previous format IMO. Not a fan overall because the format is purposely geared towards the elite sides. One, there’s the extra safety netting if you come 17-24 to still be on the gravy train and go deep, when normally you’d be out. Two, the more recent change where finishing top 8 gives home advantage all way through. Three, the funds weighted towards coefficient, which links back to number 1, and over time should ensure more of the bigger sides routinely come top 8. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sibierski Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 (edited) Also if they wanted to expand the format, it’s easier to do in this new style and still have same KO rounds. Add couple more sides and an extra game (TV money will need to keep rising), they’ll most likely weight it so the top seeds play an extra game against the bottom seeds, which further helps them to finish top 8. Edit: The cynic in me would say if they rejig things in future, it’ll be so the top seeds play both games against 4th seeds at home, as a reward for being top seeds. Because top sides won’t be a fan of dropping points to 4th seeds or having tough games like coming to us, when others get easier ones. Edited January 21 by Sibierski Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonas Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 (edited) The best format was probably the original - which they go back to in the latter stages now and where people generally say business picks up - effectively proving as much. The league/group format was all but admitted to be and generally construed as a cynical cash grab - more games, more money for the big teams instead of early knockouts - rather than an enhancement from a footballing perspective. The arguement for and against was two big teams meeeting in the early stages - the perilous nature made the games massive but a big team goes out. Depends what people would want. Edited January 21 by Jonas Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jinky Jim Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 According to the Shields Gazette:- “NUFC can secure progress without kicking a ball One of the early kick-offs on Wednesday sees Qarabag host Eintracht Frankfurt. Should Qarabag lose to Frankfurt in the early kick-off, they would be unable to surpass Newcastle’s points total, which would secure a top 24 spot for The Magpies. But even if Qarabag were to get a result against Frankfurt, several other fixtures later on Wednesday night would have to go against Newcastle to stop them from securing progress. In addition to losing against PSV, to avoid Newcastle progressing tonight, Athletic Club would have to beat Atalanta, Union SG would have to win at Bayern Munich, and Benfica would have to beat Juventus.” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nucasol Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 6 minutes ago, Jinky Jim said: According to the Shields Gazette:- “NUFC can secure progress without kicking a ball One of the early kick-offs on Wednesday sees Qarabag host Eintracht Frankfurt. Should Qarabag lose to Frankfurt in the early kick-off, they would be unable to surpass Newcastle’s points total, which would secure a top 24 spot for The Magpies. But even if Qarabag were to get a result against Frankfurt, several other fixtures later on Wednesday night would have to go against Newcastle to stop them from securing progress. In addition to losing against PSV, to avoid Newcastle progressing tonight, Athletic Club would have to beat Atalanta, Union SG would have to win at Bayern Munich, and Benfica would have to beat Juventus.” Think we’re through lads. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattoon Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 All but a freak set of results, probably less likely than winning the lottery, will see us go through tonight, its just a matter of how easy we can make the next round/playoffs with our own results.... so no doubt we will contrive to do it the hard way. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sibierski Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 Could have 8 sides on 13 points by end of tonight. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elbel1 Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 Frankfurt can't catch us now Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolfcastle Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 The last games all kick-off at the same time right? Ramifications all over the show Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
timeEd32 Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 1 minute ago, Wolfcastle said: The last games all kick-off at the same time right? Ramifications all over the show Yes, it's chaos. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colos Short and Curlies Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 If the table stays as is at full time we'd pretty much be between 9 and 14 with a loss to PSG. Assume that's a home second leg in the play off position? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe_F Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 Atalanta losing at home is good for us. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
leffe186 Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 Top 8 is currently 5 English teams, Paris SG, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich . Bit of an indictment of the game. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stifler Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 Into the knockout rounds we go. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vinny Green Balls Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 13 points after 7 games has been brilliant for Eddie and the lads. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TaylorJ_01 Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 so what needs to happen to get automatic qualification? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 Win Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Casey Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 5 minutes ago, Vinny Green Balls said: 13 points after 7 games has been brilliant for Eddie and the lads. Almost had Marseille and Barca too. Fantastic effort we've put in the CL. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TaylorJ_01 Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 Just now, Rich said: Win ah piss Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stifler Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 4 minutes ago, Rich said: Win Pretty much, everyone below us in touching distance has a generous fixture. A win and hope that our GD is enough. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jack j Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 6 conceded in 7 games Only arsenal have conceded less Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PRL Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 Guaranteed (bar a 10 goal swing) that worst case is seeded / away tie second in KO round. Would have taken that at the start of season Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Optimistic Nut Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 Hoping Chelsea beat Napoli in the last match as they're the only side I'd not fancy out of the teams likely to finish 17-24th. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Optimistic Nut Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 (edited) Any rules about not playing anyone you've already played in the Play-Offs? Leverkusen, PSV, Bilbao, Benfica & Marseille all in and around it that bottom half. Edited January 21 by Optimistic Nut Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jack j Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 Can you play teams you played in the normal league phase in the knock out bit? Looks like Marseille Bilbao PSV and leverkusen all have a good chance of finishing 17th-24th... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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