[Albion] Would you take 7th place, if offered now?

[um bongo molongo]

Dare I add Chelsea to that list? I know they've only beaten tiddlers so far in the EPL, but a number of their decent players are beginning to come good (including Caicedo). And they have a chronic injury list which won't last for ever.
Outside of that lot, however, I can't see anyone else storming the top eight. Fulham and Brentford (last season's surprises, along with us) are significantly worse that last year.
Personally I'd be delighted with 7th and another crack at the Europa League.

Agree with this. I think Chelsea will end up having a decent season. Our old friend xG suggested they weren’t quite as bad as results suggested, they’re not conceding many, and they’ll probably buy a striker (Toney) in Jan. I think we’ll finish above Man U though.

 

[Neville's Breakfast]

I would be ASTONISHED if anybody would not.

You'd have to be delusional, or spectacularly complacent about our current place in the order of things, to NOT take seventh. It would be a fantastic achievement.

Well, I wouldn’t. We have tickets for Man City and Everton. I’m not sure I want to go if the season is already decided. I know what the OP is getting at but there is no reward without risk so this thread seems the very antithesis of the de Zerbi philosophy. I want to risk relegation in aiming as high as is possible.

 

[Mancgull]

Roberto wanted us to go for the win in injury time yesterday even when we looked out on our feet. That type of ambition is inspiring to any fan.
However, if we got 7th and had a decent run in Europe then I’d be very happy with that, especially as we’ve lost Caicedo and AliMac.

 

[Wardy's twin]

My hope at start of the season was top 10 , a couple of very good cup runs and at least get out of the EL group stage. We had lost 2 'world class' players from a team that only had 2 so my expectations were not high. We are doing well but our defence has been poor and RDZ has not been able to sort it out, we have lost Enciso and more worryingly Ferguson is struggling, looks like he has no or little energy. So yes I would take 7th but would expect something in the FA cup and/or progress out of the EL group stages. Would I like more, yes but I am trying to be realistic.

 

[spence]

100% I would.

I would be ASTONISHED if anybody would not.

You'd have to be delusional, or spectacularly complacent about our current place in the order of things, to NOT take seventh. It would be a fantastic achievement.

Absolute nonsense to think it's delusional to take 7th now. We have one of the best managers around. Our squad is filled with talent and has depth. We are out of the Carabao cup which is an added bonus. Just need a bit of luck with injuries.

 

[Horses Arse]

Absolutely yes! This is a transitional year, a step in achieving the next level and reducing the departures as players see what can be achieved. Next year could be a big step up with an integrated motivated squad where we can be genuine contenders that can last the distance.

The alternative reality being that Roberto fucks off and we drop off massively as everyone wants out.....

Either way, 7th would be a great achievement this year.

 

[rebel51]

Chop whoevers hand off.without a shadow, take me there baby

 

[MattBackHome]

Villa 6-1 Albion
Albion 2-3 AEK
Albion 1-3 West Ham

We’re in the mix, no more than that.

I would be f***ing astonished if AEK will finish above us in the Premier League, I'll give you that

 

[Bridcutt]

Absolute nonsense to think it's delusional to take 7th now. We have one of the best managers around. Our squad is filled with talent and has depth. We are out of the Carabao cup which is an added bonus. Just need a bit of luck with injuries.

We are in Europe for the first time ever, squad is thin in defence and we're yet to keep a single clean sheet as it is. 7th is a no brainer

 

[Weststander]

I would be f***ing astonished if AEK will finish above us in the Premier League, I'll give you that

Results/form that don’t shout a team to finish in the top 6.

 

[Carlos BC]

No way would I accept that. This season we will come 3rd.

 

[spence]

We are in Europe for the first time ever, squad is thin in defence and we're yet to keep a single clean sheet as it is. 7th is a no brainer

That's a nsc myth our defence is thin. 4 Cbs. 2 rights backs and Milner. 1 left back but Igor or March can cover. Even Lamptey can cover

 

[Bridcutt]

That's a nsc myth our defence is thin. 4 Cbs. 2 rights backs and Milner. 1 left back but Igor or March can cover. Even Lamptey can cover

it's about quality

 

[zeemeeuw]

Enjoying the ride too much to want to get off.

 

[dejavuatbtn]

I can’t see any way on earth we would get through this season and end up in the top 4. Anything from 5th to 7th would be an incredible outcome but perhaps not meet the ambitions of some of our squad Which in turn means more turnover of key players. My fear is that the conveyor belt of potential talent may run out of steam but this is one of the TB risky strategy. The good news is that TB is a shrewd cookie and won’t allow us to go bust.

 

[macbeth]

yes. it’s another european spot and that was the ultimate goal. without any sort of european football next summer will be really difficult in terms of being picked off by the vultures

 

[dwayne]

yes. it’s another european spot and that was the ultimate goal. without any sort of european football next summer will be really difficult in terms of being picked off by the vultures

Not sure about that. As long as we pay reasonable wages players will stay if they are offered a lot more they will want to go. European football doesn't mean much
USG are in Europe every season and they lose all their best players every season.

 

[Zeus]

Not sure about that. As long as we pay reasonable wages players will stay if they are offered a lot more they will want to go. European football doesn't mean much
USG are in Europe every season and they lose all their best players every season.

No Europe will mean likely no De Zerbi. That will be worse than losing 3 of our best players

 

[dwayne]

No Europe will mean likely no De Zerbi. That will be worse than losing 3 of our best players

Again not convinced Europe will make any difference in his decision to stay or go. At his last club he was a champions league manager.

 

[peterward]

With the Premier League likely to get five Champions League spots, I'm assuming both 6th and 7th would ensure Europa League qualification (someone will quickly correct me on this, I'm sure).

The Opta SUPERCOMPUTER currently predicts us finishing 7th - one place worse than last year, obviously - but given we're battling in Europe this season, that doesn't feel like it would be a bad outcome, particularly if it gave us another shot at the Europa League.

Supercomputer predicts 2023/24 Premier League table after Arsenal 1-0 Man City

How Arsenal and Manchester City's Premier League title challenges have been affected by the Gunners' 1-0 according to Opta's supercomputer

www.90min.com

Would you take it?

Regardless of where we finish, I'd genuinely prefer to be in the EL next season than the CL at this stage of our development.

I don't think there's any chance we could make a CL final (assuming we could even get out the group).

With a years previous experience, I do reckon we could make a EL final, if we play to our ability and get a bit of luck.