Uefa draws

[Steve Bruce]

YOu seem to forget that Pats have played Dungannon twice already this season, and at a time when Dungannon were in good form. They were one of the worst sides I've ever seen Pats play.

UCD, on the other hand, are a strong decent team.

UCD are one of the top 6/7 sides in the LOI, and IMO are better than Dungannon. I didn't sya naything else about the relevent strengths of the leagues so get down off your high horse and stop making out like everyone is out to dismiss you.

Dungannon had many players missing in the Setanta, they have a very small squad. But hey ho, you know best:rolleyes:

[Steve Bruce]

I do hope Linfield get a good draw this time, eg the teams from Finland, Iceland and Cyprus are all beatable and much cheaper and easier to get to for everyone. Even though we play in two different leagues I hope they get through as do Derry. Even though we all have our differences who's better etc, we should be cheering on our friends from either leagues. I myself would rather see Linfield do well as a derry fan, than Tampere or Tampax United from Finland.

Likewise

It can only be good for Local football that all representatives from both leagues do well. It also helps enhance the cross border tournement. Hopefully IL football will not embarrass again this season coming.

[Dodge]

Every team was missing players in the Setanta and we have 16 players signed. But if you want to continue to believe that Dungannon are good enough to be in the top 6 in the LOi, please do so

[Graemerz]

If we avoid Zagreb and APOEL we have a chance, no doubt about it.

[Steve Bruce]

Every team was missing players in the Setanta and we have 16 players signed. But if you want to continue to believe that Dungannon are good enough to be in the top 6 in the LOi, please do so

I never said that either, they're not a top 6 team in IL football either. Last season they finished 8th in IL.

UCD are in the bottom half of your league. So I was using them as an example. If that is a false position then forgive me.:)

[BohsFans]

I do hope Linfield get a good draw this time, eg the teams from Finland, Iceland and Cyprus are all beatable and much cheaper and easier to get to for everyone.

I'd disagree with that. Cyprus have a decent league and their champions would beat Linfield.

[Steve Bruce]

I'd disagree with that. Cyprus have a decent league and their champions would beat Linfield.

I think the Cypriot champions would be too much for Linfield and indeed Derry City. They play at a good level and also the climate doesn't suit either.

However I would expect Linfield to beat the cypriots at Windsor. We have a good record at home only losing twice in the last 10-15 years or so. We also stuffed Omonia Nicosia 5-3 at Windsor, so i would be confident of gettign a home result.

[gspain]

I'd disagree with that. Cyprus have a decent league and their champions would beat Linfield.

I don't know about beating Linfield but their champions last season were good enough to hold our champions to a draw in the 2nd leg. They only lost 2-1 on aggregate against our champions so they must have a decent league.

[BohsFans]

I think the Cypriot champions would be too much for Linfield and indeed Derry City. They play at a good level and also the climate doesn't suit either.

However I would expect Linfield to beat the cypriots at Windsor. We have a good record at home only losing twice in the last 10-15 years or so. We also stuffed Omonia Nicosia 5-3 at Windsor, so i would be confident of gettign a home result.

Cork knocked out the Cypriot champs in last season's first round.

Derry I'd say would take them as well, pending the appointment of a manager.

[BohsFans]

I don't know about beating Linfield but their champions last season were good enough to hold our champions to a draw in the 2nd leg. They only lost 2-1 on aggregate against our champions so they must have a decent league.

In a roundabout way are you trying to say that Linfield are better than Cork?:confused:

[Steve Bruce]

Cork knocked out the Cypriot champs in last season's first round.

Derry I'd say would take them as well, pending the appointment of a manager.

Then their standard isn't as great as I thought. I would be confident then we could take them. Although we are unfortunate that we don't play in the summer.

Still that has gave me heart if we do get them in Europe.

[Steve Bruce]

In a roundabout way are you trying to say that Linfield are better than Cork?:confused:

No I think he is saying, that if Cork beat them, then Linfield has a chance to.

[Schumi]

Do Derry, yourselves, St Pats etc etc play UCD?A silly comparison. UCD are unbeaten against Bohs, Pats and Derry after 5 games this year.

[BohsFans]

Then their standard isn't as great as I thought. I would be confident then we could take them. Although we are unfortunate that we don't play in the summer.

Still that has gave me heart if we do get them in Europe.

You honestly believe that because you beat Cork in one game in the SSC that all of a sudden your equipped to get past opposition they beat in Europe recently?

[Graemerz]

Linfield would be in the top 6 and would be very capable of winning the Eircom, even with just 7 full time players.

Dungannon/Glens/Ports/Cliftonville would all be relegation battlers in the Eircom League. I think all four teams are certainly capable of getting results against the likes of Waterford, Galway, Bray and definitely Longford.

[Steve Bruce]

You honestly believe that because you beat Cork in one game in the SSC that all of a sudden your equipped to get past opposition they beat in Europe recently?

We beat all your top teams. Cork got us at a good time and STILL couldn't beat us.

We beat Derry City(and undefeated in 4 games against them)

We beat Shelbourne in their own back yard and we beat them at Windsor,

We beat Drogheda in their own back yard and we lost to them in the final and that took penalty kicks.

So yes, we are more than equipped thank you very much. Not that you really need to worry, Bohs haven't been in Europe for a few years

[Graemerz]

We beat all your top teams. Cork got us at a good time and STILL couldn't beat us.

We beat Derry City(and undefeated in 4 games against them)

We beat Shelbourne in their own back yard and we beat them at Windsor,

We beat Drogheda in their own back yard and we lost to them in the final and that took penalty kicks.

So yes, we are more than equipped thank you very much. Not that you really need to worry, Bohs haven't been in Europe for a few years

Technically it was a draw. Someone needed to lift the trophy though and unfortunately we lost out in penalties.. Kinda like picking the short straw though...

[SPXcyan]

I personally think Linfield would be in the top 4 in our league! they have proven that they are well capable of beating our teams!

[Dazzy]

I think the Cypriot champions would be too much for Linfield and indeed Derry City. They play at a good level and also the climate doesn't suit either.

However I would expect Linfield to beat the cypriots at Windsor. We have a good record at home only losing twice in the last 10-15 years or so. We also stuffed Omonia Nicosia 5-3 at Windsor, so i would be confident of gettign a home result.

I hoping to get them if we get through, a bit of revenge for 2003, were it was Keelys fault.

[gspain]

In a roundabout way are you trying to say that Linfield are better than Cork?:confused:

Not at all.

I'm just trying to ensure our league gets some respect.

[Shelsman]

Not at all.

I'm just trying to ensure our league gets some respect.

You have it. Good luck in the draw.

[ger121]

I think Linfield if in the middle of their season would be better equiped to progress than they will be pre-season. When they've beaten EL sides in the past they were near the end of their season and while maybe a bit tired had a well oiled side.

[Big Ears]

They have one good season in Europe and now they are masters:rolleyes:

We'll see tomorrow who we both get and then we can guage each others chances.

If we get Ventspils, Linfield have a great chance of winning as we have already PROVED we can beat them as we done it 2 seasons ago.:rolleyes:

LOI supporters blind optimism is laughable when it comes to Derry City at the moment. They are struggling big time and yous still EXPECT them to go through a round or two in Europe.

For your sakes, lets hope Derry City and the rest of the teams competing in Europe do not share your arrogance.

I think why a lot of people think Derry will go through and Linfield will not is for two reasons . One Derry are seeded and should in theory end up playing a weaker team , and two(possibly the most important) Derry are in season and the players are fit . yes they're playing quite poor but I'm sure they'd rather be playing poor and match fit then not playing .

Linfield are the only Northern Ireland team with a chance of going through and with a decent draw they do have an okay chance . But the Winter season will really hurt them in Europe , if Linfield were playing summer football I'm sure more people here would be optimistic of their chances .

[BohsFans]

We beat all your top teams. Cork got us at a good time and STILL couldn't beat us.

We beat Derry City(and undefeated in 4 games against them)

We beat Shelbourne in their own back yard and we beat them at Windsor,

We beat Drogheda in their own back yard and we lost to them in the final and that took penalty kicks.


I've said it once and I'll say it again, Europe is a completely different and more tactical game.
Keep throwing out domestic results though, if it makes you feel better.

[Steve Bruce]

I've said it once and I'll say it again, Europe is a completely different and more tactical game.
Keep throwing out domestic results though, if it makes you feel better.

Well I don't think I'll lose any sleep over a bohs fans opinion. Not like they are used to European football regulary anyway, or domestic success for that matter.

[Steve Bruce]

I think why a lot of people think Derry will go through and Linfield will not is for two reasons . One Derry are seeded and should in theory end up playing a weaker team , and two(possibly the most important) Derry are in season and the players are fit . yes they're playing quite poor but I'm sure they'd rather be playing poor and match fit then not playing .

Linfield are the only Northern Ireland team with a chance of going through and with a decent draw they do have an okay chance . But the Winter season will really hurt them in Europe , if Linfield were playing summer football I'm sure more people here would be optimistic of their chances .

Thank you, this is what I mean. I think Linfield have a good chance of going through if we get a decent draw. I do not expect to go through, but I think we could.

I do agree that Summer football is definately an advantage for European football.

[Steve Bruce]

I think Linfield if in the middle of their season would be better equiped to progress than they will be pre-season. When they've beaten EL sides in the past they were near the end of their season and while maybe a bit tired had a well oiled side.

I agree with that as well. If these matches where in September even, we would stand a far greater chance as we would have 4 or 5 competitive matches under our belts.

Although from the Derry City away game in the Setanta our bit tired squad became a very very tired squad and our performances both domestically and in the Setanta went down hill drastically.

[bigmac]

Just checked the UEFA website - they have Drogs seeded in the Uefa Cup draw


Taxi - just saw other thread down the page :o

[Real ale Madrid]

Linfield v Elfsborg
Derry v Pyunik(armenia)

[Rory H]

Armenia's finest..........what a trip that will be!

[Sheridan]

Winners play Shakhtar - no chance I'm afraid.

[ifk101]

going to be very difficult for Derry to get through to the second round

[Sheridan]

Winners of Linfield-Elfsborg play Debrecen (three consecutive Hungarian championships if I'm not mistaken.) Can't see them passing that obstacle either.

[Midgit]

Derry City directer was on Sky Sports News. He was talking about the draw and saying it was financially as bad as they come.

[seand]

Nightmare draw for them, I'd have said, especially with Shaktar in the second round. Gonna cost the club a fair chunk of cash I'd say... not to mention the fans. How many of the crowd is Paris last year will be in Yerevan this year?!!

Hopefully they can get past Pyunik, though.

[gspain]

Terrible draw. I still think Derry have got to have a good chance of going through but Shaktor then would be another level completely. Pyunik are in good form too - 3 points clear in their elague and have only lost 1 out of 10 games.

[Steve Bruce]

I'm happy enough with our draw. Could have got a harder draw, but could also have had an easier draw.

Linfield will have to play at the very top of our game to go through, but that is going to be very difficult as we are not match fit.

Looking forward to it anyway.

[ifk101]

Pyunik are the Rosenborg of Armenia football. Seems they have a number of full internationals in their team and I don't fancy Derry's chances against them. Hopefully I'm proved wrong.

I don't think Linfield will have much chance against Elfsborg either. Looking at the draw I'd expect Elfsborg to get to the third round.

[Dazzy]

£356 to Yerevan via Prague, its doable:D:cool:

[Midgit]

Ye should save your money for the trip to Shacktar.

[Dazzy]

Who says i cant do both?

[SwanVsDalton]

Ye should save your money for the trip to Shacktar.

I'd take it one trip at a time.

Pyunik look like a decent side. According to wikipedia, they've narrowly failed to reach the 2nd round qualifiers in the last two campaigns, losing out to FC Haka and Sheriff. However they made it through in 02, 03 and 04, they're a hardened European outfit and i'm sure they'll be feeling confident giving our current form.

Ideally we need a comfortable result at home. It's a bit of a finance mare for the directors though.

[OneRedArmy]

£356 to Yerevan via Prague, its doable:D:cool:Dazzy there are 200 of us looking at that price........I've a feeling it will go up!

[Steve Bruce]

Pyunik are the Rosenborg of Armenia football. Seems they have a number of full internationals in their team and I don't fancy Derry's chances against them. Hopefully I'm proved wrong.

I don't think Linfield will have much chance against Elfsborg either. Looking at the draw I'd expect Elfsborg to get to the third round.

For those who may know a bit more about Swedish football, how good are Elsborg?

Going by co-efficients Swedish football doesn't seem a million miles ahead of Linfield. But then Co-efficients don't tell the whole story either.

If I'm not mistaken I think Glentoran played Elfsborg a season or two ago.

EDIT: Glentoran got beat 1-0 at home and lost 2-1 away in the 2nd round of the qualifiers. So they are not that much better. Definately a winnable tie.

[ifk101]

For those who may know a bit more about Swedish football, how good are Elsborg?

Going by co-efficients Swedish football doesn't seem a million miles ahead of Linfield. But then Co-efficients don't tell the whole story either.

If I'm not mistaken I think Glentoran played Elfsborg a season or two ago.

EDIT: Glentoran got beat 1-0 at home and lost 2-1 away in the 2nd round of the qualifiers. So they are not that much better. Definately a winnable tie.

There're a much better (and different) team now than when they played Glentoran.

A lot of money has been pumped into the team since the Glentoran match so don't be fooled by those results.

[Dazzy]

Dazzy there are 200 of us looking at that price........I've a feeling it will go up!

Ill be suprised if even 50 go out to it!

[Cymro]

Linfield should at least hope to get through against Elfsborg. In fact I'd make them slight favourites to win that based on the relevant records of EL teams against Swedish teams & Linfield. So good luck to them.

I said Derry would be fine if they avoided the British teams or the long trips to Eastern Europe, and well, they didn't............so who knows. I'd back them to win over two legs having beaten opponents with much bigger pedigree before but must confess I know nothing about Pyunik so it could be a difficult one.

Steve Bruce-you've seen Ventspils play and will probably soon see TNS play if you haven't already, so I'd be interested in your opinion on that one.

[Kildare Lad]

Derry play Pyunik, winner plays Shaktar

[pete]

Derry City are away in the first leg which will be some help. Get a draw or narrow defeat & sets it up for the next leg.

[EireBadBoy]

This is slowly but surely turning into the season from hell!!