Relegation 2022/23

[davek]

After last weekend, it’s fair to say we haven’t a clue about predicting results. Fulham were allegedly on the beach and B̶r̶a̶z̶i̶l̶ Brighton were going to slap us for 5.

Truth is, I’d take all the teams in the relegation battle getting the “expected” losses they’re due this weekend including us, if it means we’re all on the same points with 2 to play as our fixtures are more favourable than theirs. Do I trust our lads? Not as far as I can throw big Yerry, but we might only need as little as 2 points to stay up.

It would’ve been a big blow to our rivals seeing us get that upset last game, and I’d feel a lot better if none of them pull off a similar one, as teams typically do need one or two big ones to survive.

Let’s do this toffees.

Not just the result, it was the manner in which we brushed Brighton aside.

If Leicester had done that and went 2 points ahead of us with Wolves away and B'mouth at home to come I'd defo be counting them as safe...as most of us would.

 

[davek]

Still convinced that Leicester & Leeds will pull off another win somewhere. Forest I'm less sure about, but they'll deffo pick up a point or so somewhere. Really need to win one of the last three - if we don't and we end up going down then it's fully deserved.

Leeds maybe. That game against West Ham 2.5 days after a Euro away game look favourable for Leeds. Hopefully Brentford spank West Ham this week so that technically they are still in this relegation fight. Moyesie will always prioritise a league game over a cup game.

But yeah, we need 2 more points from somewhere.

 

[Exeter_Gently]

I just cant shake the feeling...Just want it all over.

 

[Armaghtoffee]

I noticed that too.

That's piled the pressure on them.

I’m tied between it (already) throwing the players under the bus or rather it preparing the way for the sort of tactics his teams and fans have to endure.

He has put all his eggs in one basket with this game. If they lose, and I think they will, how does he ever hope to get them focussed on the last 2 matches??

 

[ToffeeTim]

I have no idea what will happen

We are only 1 unexpected result against from being in huge trouble again, but potentially only 1 positive result away from safety too.

I think most likely scenario is we need 1 more win to get safe with 35 or 36 points. But I obviously hope both Leicester and Leeds only manage to pick up 1 more point each.

I have that feeling there will be another twist this weekend. We have the toughest game so things could go wrong for us, but I'm not ready to write off the City game either, at least not until 1pm Sunday when I see their line up.

If Leeds win tomorrow, and that's not out of the question by any means, then it will be a big blow to us, but we need to keep our nerve. Finishing above Forest could be required to keep us up, rather than focusing just on the 2 teams directly below us.

 

[danka_dunc]

After last weekend, it’s fair to say we haven’t a clue about predicting results.

This is my thinking lately. At this point in the season anything can happen and often does. The scores earlier this week were bonkers.

 

[ToffeeTim]

I noticed that too.

That's piled the pressure on them.

I know it's cliche, but really does feel like a game where the first goal matters a lot. If Leeds go behind it's a big ask, but if they get a lead and get the crowd involved, then that suits Allardyce all day. if Newcastle get through the first half hour I'd fancy them, but it will be an intense atmosphere for any away side to deal with. If you offered me a draw right now, I think I would be ok with that

 

[davek]

I’m tied between it (already) throwing the players under the bus or rather it preparing the way for the sort of tactics his teams and fans have to endure.

He has put all his eggs in one basket with this game. If they lose, and I think they will, how does he ever hope to get them focussed on the last 2 matches??

He's defo preparing Leeds fans for that culture shock.

Their only hand to play is their attacking quality. Big Sam will rein that back in and get people behind the ball. It's high risk hoping to nick a goal and see a game out against a team with a lot of firepower like Newcastle.

It's a tactic that will bear fruit maybe against Spurs who can be caught out on the break.

Allardyce will be targetting the last two rather than the Newcastle game.

The danger is that they panic after a Newcastle loss.

 

[davek]

I know it's cliche, but really does feel like a game where the first goal matters a lot. If Leeds go behind it's a big ask, but if they get a lead and get the crowd involved, then that suits Allardyce all day. if Newcastle get through the first half hour I'd fancy them, but it will be an intense atmosphere for any away side to deal with.

Early KO time hands Leeds a favour too.

 

[Drico]

My instinct tells me we'll need 2 points to stay up now. I think we can get them in the last 2 games.

Obvioulsy we want a point or three from City, but 4 losses this weekend / Monday for those clubs concerned in this relegation scrap and we'd start to see the finishing tape.

I find myself experiencing a creeping terror at the thought of Leeds playing Newcastle. I have a really bad feeling about that one and that's accentuated by the sense that we are highly unlikely to be taking anything on Sunday.

I feel we need to finish above Leeds and Forest to stay up. Neither of those sides have better players than us, collectively. I think we are obligated to finish above them if we want to survive. Leicester could still pull a rabbit out of the hat - though a defeat on Monday for them would surely mean we'd only have ourselves to blame if we cannot get enough from Wolves and Bournemouth to stay above them.

It's not beyond the pale that we can get something against City. If we want it more than their players - some of whom will be protecting themselves - then we've got a chance in a seething cauldron. But this is not a game I will be kicking the team over. It's a shot to nothing. With safety in mind.

 

[Drico]

Beat Arsenal at home when they where absolutely flying and there is no reason we cant beat this City team who will have 1 eye on the CL semi.

I imagine the template we used against Brighton will be similar to City we just need to be at it for the full 90. After that Brighton result anything can happen.

Still under no illusion of the task in front of us.

To be fair, I can think of a number of reasons why we can't beat them.


lol

But, that said, I can also see a slight possibility for us. The circumstances suit us - we're coming off a high and they are protecting themselves for the big task next week. A packed Goodison should be well up for it. If Leeds and Forest have lost on the Saturday, it could be electric.

Then I look at the players and sober up.

I hope we lace into them, but the acid tests for us are Wolves and Bournemouth. Whatever happens, thank God it's nearly over.

 

[Walken]

I think we turn up full of it on Sunday, will it be enough to beat the club operating under a permanent cheat code? Most likely not, but I'm actually enthused for the challenge.

 

[brieverton]

If we stay up, I'd still think Leeds might do so as well. They have the better run in compared to Forest and Leicester imo.

It's conceivable that all 4 sides lose their fixtures this weekend but I don't think that will happen.

If Leeds lose tomorrow afternoon then it eases the pressure on us quite a bit.

At this stage maintaining our position and getting another round of games over with is a very good outcome.

 

[Johnnytotal]

Back in bottom 3 this weekend I think.

 

[Drico]

I think we turn up full of it on Sunday, will it be enough to beat the club operating under a permanent cheat code? Most likely not, but I'm actually enthused for the challenge.

Yes. I found myself well up for the thought of City at Goodison after Brighton. I can feel the fire back in my blood. I hope the place is a cauldron on Sunday. We need to fight for our lives, fans and players. If we do that, we have a small chance.