I think now it's almost at the point where it's Norwich and us for sure. As GD suggests above, by the time we get to Southampton we'll be planning our trips to Reading, Stoke and Hull next season. After another trousers down performance against Liverpool I just can't see how we're going to get out of it.
We’re not there yet. One win changes everything (v Palace or Leicester). I’m not sure I trust this bunch of players to step up though.
Southampton will be the last chance if we want to avoid going to the Emirates almost certainly needing a win. Palace game is huge though.
Villa and Bournemouth have comfortably the worst fixtures out of that lot, if they don't suddenly find form they could both not unreasonably end up on 32 points. We just have to try and not lose too much confidence before those three vital home games.
If it is agreed that its three from Norwich, us, West Ham, Aston Villa and Bournemouth. What would happen if every team lost every remaining game apart from the matches they played one of the other four, and all those matches were draws? I make it Norwich finish with 19 points, with ourselves, Aston Villa and Bournemouth finishing with 26. So we really need those teams not just to lose but to lose more heavily than our defeats to avoid relegation on goal difference.
Update after last night. I think West Ham showed two things; if you have a go at Liverpool (as we did at Anfield) you will get chances. However, if you leave the back-door open (as we do all the time) you will get punished. I do though think Liverpool are not as good defensively when Henderson is not playing.
I have a funny feeling we may get relegated on GD. Which is ironic as it’s something I’m often obsessed by. It will also make all the ifs and buts in the summer even worse.
Pearson's reign with Sarr W 4, D 2, L 1 Without Sarr W 0, D 1, L 3 It's easy to see how desperate we are to get him back fit and raring to go. He's the shining light for me. But he has to be 100% otherwise were fooked. If that means a few minutes again come Saturday and an expected loss, I can live with that. To have him full tilt for the remainder. A totally different side attack wise with him stretching the opposition defence.
Well it is certainly going to get worse before it possibly gets better, based on this weekend's fixtures. We will need to beat Liverpool by 2 clear goals to be out of the relegation zone
Mathematical model has changed a little; we're now projected to finish on 37 points instead of 38, dropping us a place, but Muff and Villa are both projected for a mere 35 points. Our chance of being relegated has dropped slightly (38%), Muff's and Villa's has increased (54% for both). West Ham predicted to finish on level points with us. https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/soccer-predictions/premier-league/
Not sure we gave the players to survive. We have had our new manager bounce and since Sarr has been injured it has been all flat and backs to the wall tactics. Can we get the points?
I think we have the players and are in with a chance. The rest of our season really starts after the Liverpool game as we are virtually nailed on to lose that. The next few games after that will show where we are at. Having Sarr back is a massive plus. I would have him as sub again on Saturday and maybe give him slightly longer than he got at United. Hopefully he can then start at Palace
In my dark negative mood of today I'm struggling to see where we're going to pick points. I can see us starting April on 26 points after a couple of draws v Palace and Leicester. Burnley will be another nightmare performance leaving us with a must win against the Saints. They seem to play much better away too. Away at Chelsea. Well that depends on what Chelsea turn up. Maybe a point out of those two. Next two home games against Norwich and Newcastle are must wins as will West Ham away. Man City will pulverise us as usual resulting with a tasty encounter at the Emirates. 12 possibly 13 and that's me being optimistic. Is 36-37 points enough? Desperately in need of some lucky wins or others having more of a mare than us. Honestly can't see it.
36 might be enough. 38 probably will be. I think we need to get 3 points from Palace (a)/Leicester(h) to be on track, otherwise we are in big trouble. 4 points would be great.
We need to recover the form we showed when Pearson first arrived in the run in. The decision not to get a loan striker in January was just as poor as not strengthening the defence in my opinion. We are relying on goals from midfield.
If you assume that Norwich are gone and that our rivals for relegation are limited to Brighton, AFCB, Villa and West Ham, it's strange how for the next seven rounds of games, we are all either at home or away (I know Villa spoil this by having a "big day out" on Sunday instead of a home game against the Blades, but it still seems quite a coincidence)
Yes I think you can. Three points each from Southampton, Norwich & Newcastle with a chance of a point at Crystal Palace & West Ham
A big factor will be confidence and team morale. If we get slapped for six tomorrow night it may shatter what little we have left. Tomorrow is a total write off, and after the Palarse A is not easy. We just need to keep ploughing on and hopefully wipe that evil grin off Klopp's terrifying face
We can't assume Norwich are gone if we believe we still have a chance. If they beat Leicester tonight, which is entirely possible, they will be 3 points behind us. Beat us at the Vic and they may well be above us depending on how many we concede vs Liverpool.
As long as none of the bottom 5 win, Villa in the cup aside as I'd love them to beat City, it will be a good weekend. Come on Chelsea and Southampton.