Title Run In

[Barbara 15,149]

Would like to see where we are after we play our next 5 league games including 3 big ones at the Bridge - Everton, Fulham, Tottenham, Villa and Arsenal...

exactly where we stand now :ph34r2:

[Jase 43,479]

exactly where we stand now :ph34r2:

And points extended at the top.

Should also point that after we play our next 5 league games, Arsenal and Liverpool each will have a game in hand on us (Arsenal due to involvement in FA Cup, while one of Liverpool's upcoming opponents, Sunderland, are still in the competition as well) while City will have played 2 less than us then (because of their cup final and FA Cup involvement).

[edetarod 2,155]

hopefully this video sums the title race up at the end of the season

[Viper22 2,418]

I think the title will come down to which team can stay healthy. Right now it appears every team has been bitten with the injury bug and that seems to be the difference in most fixtures. March will obviously go a long way in deciding who takes it but more than that, I believe it will be health.

Let's be honest, if Terry or Hazard get injured for 1month or so+, we're gone.

[Viper22 2,418]

And points extended at the top.

Should also point that after we play our next 5 league games, Arsenal and Liverpool each will have a game in hand on us (Arsenal due to involvement in FA Cup, while one of Liverpool's upcoming opponents, Sunderland, are still in the competition as well) while City will have played 2 less than us then (because of their cup final and FA Cup involvement).

I see this as a good thing tbh, always preferred points in the bank rather than games in hand. Also it puts a lot more pressure on the team having to make up the games, similar to what we went through last season with our ridiculous 70+ games.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

I think the title will come down to which team can stay healthy. Right now it appears every team has been bitten with the injury bug and that seems to be the difference in most fixtures. March will obviously go a long way in deciding who takes it but more than that, I believe it will be health.

I'm hoping City lose confidence from being knocked out of the CL and drop some points in the league.

[Jase 43,479]

Looks like Man City and Arsenal are pretty much out of the Champions League and this is a not so good news for us in the league, assuming we get past Galatasaray. The focus and extra preparation in which they can put in the league could well benefit those two a lot, almost similar to our situation in the 2009/10 season under Ancelotti.

[Kieran. 6,317]

Looks like Man City and Arsenal are pretty much out of the Champions League and this is a not so good news for us in the league, assuming we get past Galatasaray. The focus and extra preparation in which they can put in the league could well benefit those two a lot, almost similar to our situation in the 2009/10 season under Ancelotti.

You could also look at it, we reach the QF/SF/final and the added motivation and momentum will be worth the few extra games.

[Jase 43,479]

You could also look at it, we reach the QF/SF/final and the added motivation and momentum will be worth the few extra games.

True. It could work like last season where those factors arguably took us over the finishing line, despite playing a game every 3-4 days, with almost similar starting XI. Could still go either way but those 2 probably have a slight advantage over us at the moment.

[Tomo 21,751]

Im not convinced the not playing in Europe thing is that big an advantage, if it even is at-all.

I remember Pep saying once that he hated no midweek games because the players sometimes wind down a bit to much, whereas a game every 3-4 days and you are constantly in your element.

Regarding Carlo's first season im not sure how much affect United playing in Munich had on our game at OT, the second half United swarmed all over us so they couldn't have been that tired iin first half, maybe we got our tactics spot on.

[Mohammed Seif 1,451]

Im not convinced the not playing in Europe thing is that big an advantage, if it even is at-all.

I remember Pep saying once that he hated no midweek games because the players sometimes wind down a bit to much, whereas a game every 3-4 days and you are constantly in your element.

Regarding Carlo's first season im not sure how much affect United playing in Munich had on our game at OT, the second half United swarmed all over us so they couldn't have been that tired iin first half, maybe we got our tactics spot on.

I think this would vary from one team to another. If you have a team full of injuries that means that some players will have to keep playing through fatigue and some of them would be even playing in positions that they are not very good at. Remember that though its true that the more you play the more you are in your element, but muscles need to relax in order to rebuild and restore energy levels. For example ( and taking in consideration that entire team played badly) Cahill would have performed much better infront of City if he had more time to recover from the injury he got infront of Brom. but Terry was still out.

So I guess if you are practicing and playing every day it would do you more damage than good. Plus there is always the psychological aspect of the game, that too plays a part.

But I totally agree on the tactics part, cause it can play a major role.

[GodZola 630]

I never expected us to win it this season so the fact we are still in with a very good shout is very much a welcome surprise especially when you consider our inconsistent form before Xmas.

My belief was that who ever finishes above City will win the league and I don't see any reason to change that, however if we are still in the hunt after the Arsenal game then looking at our remaining fixtures after playing them, we will have a massive chance.

One thing for certain and that is if José was City's manager they would be 10 points clear by now, my heart says us my head says otherwise, I've been known to be wrong! :-)

Contrary to what's been written I'd very much prefer we stay in the the CL, we found out 2 years ago anything can happen, having a good run will give the younger players the confidence to go on and win the PL, we have a young squad and there is no way with José at the helm and giving the players that bit extra with a psychological edge they will suffer with fatigue, playing regularly builds momentum especially in confidence, the mind and body are also sharper - bring it on I say!