OTF

Me too - in a CT started match thread.

Chelsea will need to score to go through IMO, and even still there's every chance that Barca will score 3 or more. They'll be smarting from their loss in the el classico, at the camp nou no less.

If Chelsea win the Champions League and don't finish in the top four then they will gain qualification to the Champions League (qualifiers) at the expense of the fourth finishing team who will instead qualify for the Europa.

Parker definitely gives his all, something that makes him commendable. At the same time it shouldn't be used to cover over his weaknesses. Cabaye plays with as much effort and conviction (and a little more mongrel) AND is capable of laying on the perfect ball and curling in a spectacular goal. On the fullback front Walker is quick, Assou-Akoto's hair is ridiculous and I don't think he's particularly great. Santon is really improving with more game time, I've warmed to him now and for that reason wouldn't swap if given the chance.

Let it go.

People have moved on from the 'old regime' and any comparisons are pointless and a waste of time. That's before you even consider the change in the footballing climate that have recently come about. As the saying goes you can't move forward if you keep looking back. I enjoy reading your posts when you talk in real terms about what you want for the club now; the direction you think they should go in. It's reassuring to hear that you're out there enjoying games and planning trips abroad to continental Europe next season. Of that I'm incredibly jealous but it does serve to reconfirm that you're much more than a caricature. This can sometimes be lost in the muck.

6th next season would be a great result. I would agree for the most part with what you've said - our overachievement in the league has been aided by Liverpool's embarrassing season, Chelsea's stop start performances and Tottenham's spectacular collapse. We've really benefitted from the fantastic goal scorers we've now got - not just up front but the likes of Cabaye and Ben Arfa providing some scoring punch from midfield is something we've lacked since Speed (Nolan played in a second strikers position for the most part). Goals win games.

Just a pre-emptive strike at any argument that may surface next season if we're in a lower position on the table. It would be easy to blame it on Europe, but realistically we've overachieved this season. It's fantastic, don't get me wrong.

Echo the sentiment in here. On the media front we're often mentioned in the Chelsea/Tottenham/Liverpool doing poorly, potentially missing out on European positions etc. Throughout the season the prevailing feeling from the media was that we were an early season flash in the pan and that across the length of the season we'd settle into our rightful spot in the middle of the table. Even when we're flying high they treat us like a mid-table club at the moment. On par with the likes of Everton, second tier to six clubs that I need not mention. All in all it's a great place to be as it keeps the pressure off and keeps other teams expectations for us lower.

Do you think, if we didn't play any games in Europe next season, that we'd be in fourth or better with 4 games left to play?

No chance on the wage front. He's no Geremi.

Solano was 5'9" so clearly this kid is the next Nobby.

Another one to develop along with Abeid, Inman, Ferguson, Moyo, Ameobi etc

Ashley will sell if the price is right, that won't change based on European qualifications. Qualifying for the champions league would result in more money on incoming players and would also be used to improve and extend existing players contracts.

Yet another reason for us to qualify...

Interesting viewpoint. There will be interest, that's for certain - and I don't think that would change too much whether or not we qualify. Who of note did Villa lose? Gareth Barry?

Can barely believe that we're in this position at this stage of the season. Whatever happens from here it's amazing, but I do think we have a very good chance to finish in that top four. Our team is capable of beating any team in the league and we shouldn't be worried about facing Chelsea or Man City.

Hope QPR can keep this up all game.

Couldn't take that from Cabaye in my book. Two goals and an assist in an hour of football. Tidy. Otherwise would have to give it to the whole defeanive unit.

I've never met a woman called Craig before. safety wink

At this rate for sure.

Knocked the confidence out of them early on. Great team effort, good games by all. Was impressed with Santon.

6 in a row, quite an achievement. Pressure will be on Wigan next week after their loss today.

Married Phil Brown's daughter like...

Or with Jose Enrique there - though the Spaniard is the only premier league keeper this season who hasn't conceded a goal.