There seems to be two camps forming with regard to what is wanted at the end of the season.
In the blue corner we have European qualification, which is becoming less and less dependant on our league placing. For example a win today will see us open up a ten point gap between us and 8th placed Sunderland. In the red corner we have those wanting a league placing as high as can be.
The question is, ultimately, what is most important to us? What do you feel would give us the greater benefit? Qualifying for Europe or finishing in, say, 6th place in the Premier League, which is no mean feat I hasten to add, but it would be hollow if we missed out on Europe because two teams below grabbed the spots from the cup competitions.
Personally I don’t think we are going to finish any lower than 7th place now, which is why I’m posing the question. I guess equally I could ask if 7th would be acceptable providing we get into Europe?
Of course the easy answer is to try and finish as high up as possible regardless and hope for Europe, but with only 5th guaranteeing a place in the Europa League the odds of that are slim, even though we aren’t too far away from Chelsea right now.
Anyway, most of us are aware of the permutations and know what is needed for either preference, the thing that needs answering now is what your particular preference is.
[poll id=”63″]
It’s a bit head v heart. My heart would love us to finish above the bindippers, but my head would like to see us benefit from the exposure and cash that Europe brings. The fact we’d be a little more attractive to players too wouldn’t hurt.
Brendan(Quote)
GREAT RESULT!shame we lost collo do we get kadar in the squad for the next four games or call back tavernier? defence is major thin now and we need backup.
stevo(Quote)
Why isn’t there an option of The prestige of being in the top four.
In fact we want higher league position and as a result of that,we get european football.
We are level on points with chelsea and we still need to face them. So from now till the time we meet them,we will see who slip up first. Is it them or us. 😉
AngelOfDeath(Quote)
as things currently stand it would be disappointing to finish outside the top 6
M(Quote)
Would be very disappointing to finish 7th now, Liverpool have already qualified for Europe so it’s irrelevant if we 6th as 7th will be good enough for Europe if a europa spot goes as low as 6th ( presuming bindippers got 6th)
Top 6 is where we should be aiming – 4th to 6th achievable although 5th more realistic and 6th probable
Stevep(Quote)
Toonsy… An article at quarter to 5 in the morning.
Have you gone wibble? 😆
Nobby(Quote)
who wouldnt want to be in Europe? Thats like a kid saying they’ll miss xmas day as long as the can have the 2weeks off school.
mark(Quote)
Theres no reason we can’t finish fifth if we continue to play like yesterday.
Barfa ran the show. He’s been given a free role and it’s worked a treat. He has the ability to knock Silva off the mantle of being the best midfielder.
Europe is a huge prestige. Even in the Europa league there are some big names and those ejected from the CL are thrown in the mix as well.
We could have some huge European nights again! Bring it on!
Troy Stavers(Quote)
I voted for Top Finish (although not necessarily Top 6!)
Naturally I want both, but think about it – a place in the Europa League, but crappy EPL position – blind luck with no substance? A consistent high placing the EPL means we have substance, enough to challenge the Europa League of CL if need be.
Go for strong consistent play in the EPL and when we finally get to the CL or Europa League, we can mount an actual challenge!
HWTL!
Danger Dom(Quote)
I reckon Europe is more financially appealing for Sports Direct so it will benefit the team
Moreno(Quote)
It HAS to be Europe for me like.
Any new signings will be playing for us next season, and if we can offer them European football – therefore I don’t suppose they will care much about our final league position this season.
I agree with you though, I don’t think we will finish below 7th – and probably will finish 7th now with the injury to Colo. But finishing 7th and qualifying for Europe would be a fantastic season for us.
I personally would recall Tav now, he’s match fit having played competitive games most of the season (albeit in lower leagues) and it would encourage him that he does gave a future with Newcastle, rather than bringing in Kadar who hasn’t.
Sharpy17(Quote)