Last two games, 0 points. Before that, who knows. On paper, 0 points in total. On paper Rovers shouldn't be in the group. The away game against PAOK might be somewhere to plunder a defensive point.
Last two games, 0 points. Before that, who knows. On paper, 0 points in total. On paper Rovers shouldn't be in the group. The away game against PAOK might be somewhere to plunder a defensive point.
Overall Rovers shouldn't have a chance, but I went for 5 points. They should win one match, they might nick a point against Rubin in November (the Russian season will be long finished - an issue our wonderful media don't seem to get), while PAOK might have blown up domestically by next week. Spurs, who knows, a home draw could be in the offing.
Went for four - should beat PAOK at home and draw with either the Greeks away or Rubin at home.
Agree with this, though I voted for one point (home v Salonika)Quote:
Originally Posted by osarusan
There would be no shame in coming away with a zero, considering I don't think anyone truly believed they'd make it this far, but I've gone for 3, I think they might just win one of the home games, especially if it's in Tallaght. My wildly optimistic side thinks they might have a chance to sneak second in the group. Of course there are huge financial incentives there for the players, in terms of bonuses, too if they needed any more reason to be motivated.
Is this the same wildly optimistic side that reckons the country's debt will be paid off by this time next year? :pQuote:
Originally Posted by passinginterest
Right up there with the one that's convinced the work syndicate is going to win the Euromillions tonight :DQuote:
Originally Posted by pineapple stu
I went for 4 points. I reckon they'll be able to sneak one win out of six, and hold out for a 0-0 draw in one of the other games.
My main hope is that they compete in all of the games, especially the "glamour tie" against Spurs. Looking like they belong at this level of competition is very important for the league's image, even if they don't get the results.
As CLQR2 entrants, the team representing the LOI will always have a chance to win 2 rounds to get into a group phase. We were capable of getting through 2 rounds this time and we did. But other teams can do it too in the future with a good draw, and approaching the games with a positive attitude. Anyone who sees it merely as a holiday, like the NI teams do, are better off at home..Quote:
Originally Posted by passinginterest
Well yes, agree 100% that teams approaching it with the right attitude are much more likely to succeed. I've mentioned in other threads that the LOI inferiority complex seemed to be fading, particularly in this Rovers team, they looked like they were going into these games with a genuine belief they could succeed, I think the Real Madrid friendly and the Juventus games were a major part of this attitude shift. There was always hope, but there's been so many near misses it was hard to actually believe it would happen, and to turn hope into expectation is the next step. Even Mick O'Neill was willing to admit he never really believed it would happen.Quote:
Originally Posted by mypost
Spurs are mostly going to play a lot of reserves in the Europa. Premiership teams being so strong, they could be safely qualified by the time they play Rovers. I fancy that could be a draw.
Went for an optimistic 8 points but in reality think 5 or 6. Wins at home against PAOK and Rubin, a draw against spurs in last game and possibly a draw against PAOK away.
More realistic, a win at home to PAOK and possibly 1 more win
Are people aware that Rubin have taken five points from Barcelona in the last two CL campaigns? Rovers realistically have no chance against them. Some way too optimistic predictions here.
I went for 2 points. Home draws with PAOK and Spurs. The latter, as Spurs will have already qualified by that stage and 'Arry with put out the kids.
Yes we are aware. As we are of Copenhagen's result against them last year. Not that it's much use to them now. Kazan probably went into those games without fear of the opposition. That's what we have to do. Respect them certainly, but don't be frightened of them.Quote:
Originally Posted by pineapple stu
With the games in Tallaght, none of the opposition are going to like coming here on a tight pitch, in variable weather, against a home side with a crowd on top of them, and playing with nothing to lose. Like Copenhagen and Belgrade, Kazan failed to make the grade this year, so now they're in this. We're not going to roll over for them because they got a few good results in the other competiiton last year.
One point I reckon home v Salonika and hopefully keep the score down in the other games.
Hard to believe people are predicting 5+ points.
Depending on what team Spurs put out they could take max points from the group.
Snap.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rasputin
PAOK are a decent side from what I've heard.
Better off taking it one game at a time anyways. Rubin Kazan first up at home, hopefully in Tallaght for Rovers, it'll be great if they can get a win there.
Well I'm sure I don't need to remind you that Rovers aren't Barcelona :pQuote:
Originally Posted by pineapple stu
Rubin played above themselves and played out of their skins to get a result against a vastly superior side and achieved it. Rovers will have to do the same when we face Spurs, Rubin and even PAOK. It's a football match and anything's possible - we've beaten a much superior team already in this competition.
Conservatively, I think we'll get more than 1 point, but probably not more than 3. This entire competition is a bonus but I think we'll compete well.
If the Rubin game is in Tallaght, it'll be a magical night. I'm not underestimating Kazan at all. I just think in the circumstances, Rovers can get a win in that first game, Rovers need a Ray Houghton to make a name for himself like '88 and '94, becoming a legend!