League of Ireland in Europe 2016

**Nesta99** · 25/08/2016, 4:57 PM

Well at least we got a mention during the CL draw even if we weren't in the pot! Pointless observation but Real Madrid, Dortmund, and Sporting Lisbon were drawn with Legia so a super tough group and while the money would have been huge but the chance of getting hammered by these could have been damaging in its own way.

**shelsfan1** · 25/08/2016, 5:33 PM

Dundalk would have been the lowest ranked team and been drawn against Bayern, Atletico and PSV

**paul_oshea** · 25/08/2016, 6:26 PM

" 40 team format"

UEFA were suggesting that they had a 40 team format for FIFA to consider using in World Cups. Possibly UEFA should use that 40 team format for both the Champions League and Europa League.

What do you mean by the last paragraph?

**TonyD** · 25/08/2016, 7:09 PM

Originally Posted by Nesta99

Well at least we got a mention during the CL draw even if we weren't in the pot! Pointless observation but Real Madrid, Dortmund, and Sporting Lisbon were drawn with Legia so a super tough group and while the money would have been huge but the chance of getting hammered by these could have been damaging in its own way.

Interesting to hear Stehpen O'Donnell say something similar on TV after the match the other night. Sounded like he'd rather be in the Europa league with a better chance to compete rather than get a few hammerings. He didn't exactly put it in those terms, but that was basically the gist of it. I think some of those teams could potentially do Legia a lot of damage too.

**TonyD** · 25/08/2016, 7:18 PM

Originally Posted by Pablo Escobar

This is a clip of Cork Hibs against Borussia Moenchengladbach in 1971 https://youtu.be/a45aiacu6QM

All of the goals came within the first 20 mins afaik. Don't let anyone tell you that the standard was better back then. We've come a long way!

The guy falling over on the ball, oh dear!

Was that Flower Lodge ?

**redarmyfaction** · 25/08/2016, 7:23 PM

Originally Posted by shelsfan1

Dundalk would have been the lowest ranked team and been drawn against Bayern, Atletico and PSV

Can you show your workings on this, my father watched the draw and he says you are are wrong and Nesta is right.

**Dodge** · 25/08/2016, 7:41 PM

Originally Posted by redarmyfaction

Can you show your workings on this, my father watched the draw and he says you are are wrong and Nesta is right.

Workings? Rostov were the lowest seed so the theory is that 'spot' would have been Dundalk's

It's only a draw though

**legendz** · 25/08/2016, 7:54 PM

Originally Posted by paul_oshea

" 40 team format"

UEFA were suggesting that they had a 40 team format for FIFA to consider using in World Cups. Possibly UEFA should use that 40 team format for both the Champions League and Europa League.

What do you mean by the last paragraph?

Before the current FIFA president took up the position, when he was in UEFA he was calling for the World Cup to be expanded to 40 teams. At the moment one UEFA group runner-up misses out on the World Cup playoffs. UEFA being UEFA they had the 40 team tournament format fully worked out.

The top 4 leagues are going to get 4 automatic CL places. The FAI and similar associations have to look at compromises and a fair deal. One option of many is expanding the CL to 40 teams and maintain the champions route to the CL. UEFA believe they have a suitable format for it.

**bennocelt** · 25/08/2016, 8:20 PM

Zurich bumped up to third seeds now with the results coming in, roughly 17% chance of Dundalk playing in Switzerland now, ha

**ger121** · 25/08/2016, 8:39 PM

West Ham going out it seems. Few interesting results tonight. Will make for a possible better draw tomorrow.

**bennocelt** · 25/08/2016, 8:44 PM

Originally Posted by ger121

West Ham going out it seems. Few interesting results tonight. Will make for a possible better draw tomorrow.

Silviu Lung was MOM in goals, like father like son....

**backstothewall** · 25/08/2016, 9:30 PM

I assume the Chairman is on his hands and knees tonight praying for Man United

**ger121** · 25/08/2016, 9:31 PM

Here we go folks. What's a good draw?

image.jpg

**jinxy lilywhite** · 25/08/2016, 9:40 PM

The fact that Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are out of the equation is good news.

It's a mixed bag and with such big pots it's a minefield.

Hoping for an Austrian side, trip to Belgium or the Netherlands. Would love my Italian team Fiorentina or st. Etienne.

Or get united and block see the aviva to every man ure barstooller for 90 for the 3 games no exceptions

**sbgawa** · 25/08/2016, 9:54 PM

I hope dundalk don't draw an English team. I remember almost commitING murder listening to spurs dublin fans in 2011 talking about "our boys" doing the business. ...there are plenty of teams in the draw worth going to see other then the brits

**nigel-harps1954** · 25/08/2016, 10:00 PM

Anderlecht, Saint Etienne and Zurich. That would be ideal on many levels.

**Real ale Madrid** · 25/08/2016, 10:19 PM

Ajax Genk and Southampton.

**ger121** · 25/08/2016, 11:14 PM

Ajax, Roma & Southampton for the glamour matches and away trips,plus big enough crowds.

Plzen, St-Étienne (love their draws) & Zürich. Chance of results and not the worst for travelling.

**TheBoss** · 26/08/2016, 12:32 AM

My 4 picks in each pot in order of preference for a good draw, they maybe obvious but still:

Pot 1: Viktoria Plzen - Anderlecht - Olympiakos - Ajax
Pot 2: Standard Liège - Sparta Praha - AZ Alkmaar - APOEL
Pot 3: Zürich - Rapid Vienna - Feyenoord - Slovan Liberec

**bennocelt** · 26/08/2016, 6:46 AM

Depending on travel, I might toddle along to a game or two if time permits

Inter (Milan 4 hours by train), Roma (about 60 Euro return Easyjet) FC Zurich (an hour away)

But I would love to see Dundalk do well
So the best draw IMHO
Plzen, Genk, FC Zürich