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

[chaileyjem]

I don't deny any of that - that's a separate issue.

I maintain I believe De Zerbi has us performing at a very similar level to Villa - hence our league positions over the last couple of seasons. Hardly a controversial view is it?

Also, we know that we outperform teams regularly with regarding spend to positions - West Ham, Chelsea, many more.

If we're discussing what is a reasonable benchmark for where we should be in the league and how we might perform - then wages and spend is not really a separate issue. Not the only issue of course - as the coach, injuries, players and previous years position are - are of course a factor but spend is difficult to disrupt.

As for "how we do normally" - and that we outperform high spending teams - we do sometimes - but we still lost last season to Man City, Spurs, Arsenal, Everton, Villa and Newcastle for example.

 

[Badger Boy]

I think we're going to have a storming end to the season and get ourselves into 5th or 6th - but currently it looks a little bleak so 7th or 8th wouldn't be unreasonable.

 

[Sorrel]

If you were a betting person, with head rather than blue-tinted heart, what position would you bet we finish on if you had to take a bet?

So much can change eg key injuries, but I’d guess 9th.

If we carry on like we are we won't make the top 10. But then, we've just had a reversion to our old October form, extra European matches and some unfortunate injuries. We have got so many matches in December I can't imagine things will improve on the injury front in the short term.

But in January and February we will get some players back (hopefully), have fewer games (unless we finish second in the Europa League) and have another good run. I would bet we could do 8th at least. Probably wise to take the 7th now - but then being a fan is about hoping.

 

[OzMike]

No, not at present, but if in a similar position with 10 games left then yes.

 

[Hamilton]

And to think that some were talking about a European Cup place. Still it’s great to think positive.

We’ve made it harder for ourselves by dropping 4 points, but I still believe we can finish in the top 6.

I would be saddened if we didn’t finish in the top half. Just being realistic here. If it goes Pete Tong, we rebuild and go again!

 

[Weststander]

I’d still bite that hand off, securing UEFA competition football next season.

 

[peterward]

And to think that some were talking about a European Cup place. Still it’s great to think positive.

We’ve made it harder for ourselves by dropping 4 points, but I still believe we can finish in the top 6.

I would be saddened if we didn’t finish in the top half. Just being realistic here. If it goes Pete Tong, we rebuild and go again!

No Fati? Welbeck still a sick note and another year older, and would RDZ still stay if thats what happens? I don't think he will. Thats not to say we wont buy some more decent additions nor employ another good manager, but a lot hinges on us finishing top 6, or being in europe by winning EL or FA cup imho

 

[Rambo]

A week ago we could have gone 5th. Now we are 9th.

I would take 7th and be happy.

 

[Jeremiah]

If the Club aren't going to invest in really strengthening the squad , and still persist with playing the likes of Lallana & Milner, then perhaps a season out of Europe is a better option for us.

 

[saafend_seagull]

We have zero chance of 7th, unless we get two full backs, a defensive midfielder and a right winger in January. And not ones for the future.

Chelsea and West Ham both rumoured to be going strong in January.

 

[Weststander]

We have zero chance of 7th, unless we get two full backs, a defensive midfielder and a right winger in January. And not ones for the future.

Chelsea and West Ham both rumoured to be going strong in January.

FB’s the priority.

 

[BevBHA]

FB’s the priority.

Yes, finding him a loan would be great

 

[The Fits]

Still be delighted with 9th, especially after Thursday.

 

[Mustafa II]

I still believe that the 2nd half of the season we will finish stronger than others - mainly due to RDZs season-long squad rotation approach.

Would I take 7th? Probably, but personally I'm risk averse, and 7th would confirm a successful season.

Do I reckon we will finish higher than 7th? Yes I do. A decent run of games and some RDZ tactical improvements and I think we will be well on course for 6th again, or even higher, this season.

 

[Krafty]

We should aim for another season in Europe, that means finishing in the top eight - most likely.

 

[The Fits]

Looking at the table I’m wondering who people think we will finish above. United the most likely but then they always seem to be higher than their results and performances suggest. West Ham look really good, especially with Bowen and Kudus on fire.
Even a bit worried about Chelsea. Nkunku coming back. One day it has to click sadly. So even finishing above them would feel a success come May, personally.
I really do think 9th would be a great achievement after losing the best midfield we’ve ever had and the pressure of Europe.

 

[dazzer6666]

7th would be fantastic, another go at Europe and a big step towards establishment as a top 10 team.

 

[GT49er]

We should aim for another season in Europe, that means finishing in the top eight - most likely.

Top seven, more likely. Those five CL places are looking a bit far away - and there's always a chance that a mid table team will win one of the cups, meaning only six European places available for league places.
Would I take 7th. now? In a heartbeat - just as I voted when this thread came up!

 

[Justice]

No, players to come back plus maybe a new face in Jan to bolster the midfield.
Remember before Enciso, Pervis & co got injured we were superb in the league.

 

[Flounce]

I am keeping the faith that we finish the season well and make the top 6