LAM09

Modric is on his last legs as well. They need some serious reinvestment in the summer. TAA won't help them defensively. I'd imagine Ancelotti will be gone in the summer (maybe he'll finally take the helm of the Brazilian NT).

Real Madrid's only goal against Arsenal was a gift. This has to be the first real shock of this season's CL. Tbh, they probably should have been knocked out against Atletico. Signing Mbappe isn't what this side needed.

To think their last 11 goals have come from players other than Isak (just scored recently). That Cup win has push them up a gear.

Unfortunately, I can't see either happening in the near future.

At what point do we stop becoming a team that's seemingly just here to develop players? Since this is the path we continue to take, we really can't grumble too much about not vying for major honours. Our board is obviously unaware of a concept known as balance.

We've been selling this project idea for seasons which has allowed us to sign promising talent. Owners forcing us to work with a shoestring wage structure will continue to work against us. Maresca was never cut out for this job. Finishing in the Top 5 and winning a trophy should have always been seen as a massive success, all things considered.

A lot can change from now till the start of the new CL campaign. If we don't qualify, what progression have we made? It will signal the end of us being considered alongside the top sides in Europe & will hurt us massively in the transfer window.

Very true. He's one player Liverpool couldn't afford to lose and don't have the type of funds needed to find a replacement of a similar level. The half a billion from Saudi will be waiting for him once his contract ends as well.

That's just absurd. There's still six games left as well.

We still have to face Forest and Newcastle. If we win all our games (wishful thinking), we'll secure a Top 5 finish. Deflection. It must be something that's taught at City seeing as Arteta is the same.

Four points dropped in a week with the run in getting harder. It's still in our own hands, but I just can't see us getting a CL place without others shooting themselves in the foot from now till the end of the season. Failure to beat Ipswich this season is embarrassing in itself.

About time he takes a shot. Need to be smart about for a third with this joke of a backline.

Cucu with a better run than our CF. It's pathetic that we still haven't got a reliable CF.

Resting for midweek's crunch tie.....

Three times as many shots and what do we have to show for it. It's a shame this lot will put the club's name through the mud living off past glories.

We haven't score a goal in the first half for two months and now find ourselves two behind. City actually got their finger out yesterday against much better opposition. What will this bunch do?

CB pairing asleep. The moment Jackson missed a sitter, I just knew it was going to be one of those days.

Chalobah starting ahead of Gusto & James. Seems like an odd decision.

Teams on our tail have won (Newcastle will probably go all out with the recent Howe situation) while the teams ahead have dropped points. With Thursday's fixture almost a forgone conclusion, we need to field our strongest XI from the start, none of this nonsense of resting players for nothing. You can just sense Delap will do something, tho. Our fixture against Forest on the final day of the season could well be a decider as previously mentioned. We had it in our own hands prior to the CL final but choked. This time, there won't be a backup plan, and with the extra spot certain, finishing outside of the Top 5 would be embarrassing.

It's unfortunate that it was introduced towards the end of the season instead of the beginning, as planned.

I was going to comment on it before seeing who was reporting the rumour.

The moment Mateta came off (providing it was a tactical decision), they through in the towel. A seven goal swing against anyone is crazy.

And go into the CWC without a manager? Unless we get humiliated between now & June, he'll be in charge until our season officially ends. I agree. I just feel Fiorentina will have the bit between their teeth after the last two years.

Matic's comments must be cutting deep for Onana. Another two mistakes.

That's the worry. Kean has been fine form for Fiorentina, and it would be their third successive final. Over one game, I can't see our players being able to raise their game or Maresca for that matter.