Final league standings?

[Joker]

I don't have confidence we'll get the 9 points we should be very capable of, but as Coney and Jeebus said, 6 points should be sufficient for third and I can't see any of the other 3 winning all 4 of their remaining games, so we should clinch it.

Joker - you cite mental strength, and although we've imploded on several occasions in the past we've had enough about us to keep CL football in our grasps. What makes you think we're more lacking in mental strength this year?

This year we're facing stiff competition from 3 teams (Chelsea, Spurs, Newcastle) going into the home stretch. In the past, we've more or less had CL football sown up much earlier. I know in 2005-2006 there was a real danger of dropping out, but at least we had players like Henry, Pires, Bergkamp, Ljungberg to steer us home with a bit of luck. In 2006-2007 Spurs were on our heels as well, but we ended up securing 4th by around this time so we didn't have to go into the last few games still needed results.

We've failed to often recently when it's really mattered (cup semi-finals, Carling Cup final, etc) that I'm sceptical whether we can cope under the pressure. Of course injuries to Walcott, Arteta, Wilshere don't help matters either.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

A pure pessimistic attitude to all things concerning the club is one thing. . .cricketsi, you new round here?

[Joker]

A pure pessimistic attitude to all things concerning the club is one thing. . .cricketsi, you new round here?

If there was any cause for optimism I'd be willing to entertain it. If we do manage to beat Stoke then I'd say we're almost certain to get 3rd, but until that happens I don't think it's looking too good for us at the moment, especially as our form seems to be going down the toilet again.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

If there was any cause for optimism I'd be willing to entertain it. If we do manage to beat Stoke then I'd say we're almost certain to get 3rd, but until that happens I don't think it's looking too good for us at the moment, especially as our form seems to be going down the toilet again.

Acknowledge it will be tough but have a little faith. . .I dont see where its not looking good, we are 3rd, Newcastle have to win games against Chavs, Citeh, Everton and as we found out there is still life in Wigan.

Of course we dont have the luxury to take things easy but we also dont need to raise the white flag just yet. . and fucking Spurs have 6 points to claw back. . .it is by no means doom and gloom

[Letters]

I think we'll limp into 3rd.
Newcastle have a horrible run in. Chelsea will be distracted by the cups and those two have to play each other.
Spurs...well, they're collapsing horribly so although I'm still a bit worried they'll get it together I think we're still likely to finish above them.

If we win at Stoke then we'll be very close. Easier said than done but they don't have much to play for and aren't in great form.

[cricketsi]

If there was any cause for optimism I'd be willing to entertain it. If we do manage to beat Stoke then I'd say we're almost certain to get 3rd, but until that happens I don't think it's looking too good for us at the moment, especially as our form seems to be going down the toilet again.

Ok, a cause for optimism - Our form is still superior to that of Spurs and Chelsea. If we win just one more game they will need at least 3 wins from 4 to overhaul us. The main concern for me is if Chelsea pull it out of the bag and actually win the CL and 4th becomes completely worthless. But, 2 out of 3 wins should see us into third. You say if we beat Stoke you think we'll get it. Well, that's the next game, so by your own thinking we could be looking at having 3rd place all but sewn up after the next match.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

Ok, a cause for optimism - Our form is still superior to that of Spurs and Chelsea. If we win just one more game they will need at least 3 wins from 4 to overhaul us. The main concern for me is if Chelsea pull it out of the bag and actually win the CL and 4th becomes completely worthless. But, 2 out of 3 wins should see us into third. You say if we beat Stoke you think we'll get it. Well, that's the next game, so by your own thinking we could be looking at having 3rd place all but sewn up after the next match.

Clutching at straws if you expect an answer to that one mate!

Joker never allows himself to go down as quoting anything positive. . . .

[cricketsi]

Clutching at straws if you expect an answer to that one mate! Joker never allows himself to go down as quoting anything positive. . . .

I've grown tired of fighting too vociferously against pessimism though, so I'm trying to foster more a spirit of friendly debate! He actually said something almost positive, he just didn't realise it, so there may be a small crack of light waiting to shine through there!

[Marc Overmars]

Never underestimate our ability fuck things up. Just when you think you've seen the worst we pull another shocker out the bag.

But I think we'll get 3rd, by virtue of Newcastles tough run in.

[Niall_Quinn]

We're 3rd, chavs 4th, Geordies 5th, spuds 6th. However, much could still depend on referees. We'll have over performed in 3rd. Liverpool will be the biggest underachievers of the season. City don't count, bought their position and even then had to bend over for scum Tevez to rescue themselves from collapse.