rubberman

Obviously dependent on what happens during the summer, but as things stand now I reckon Man City vs Utd fight for the title. I think Arsenal will be more like the inconsistent second-half of this season team, Liverpool have an overhaul needed and Newcastle will be having to cope with CL - they will all be thereabouts, but beatable and with the right incomings I fancy us to be up there with them for 3rd to 6th. Brighton will lose players and who knows, maybe DeZerbi, but will be pushing for junior Europe. Chelsea will surely be better, but Poch has a massive job to turn that around - junior Europe. And Spurs - no manager, no Kane, Levy - I'm going the same there. If it does get to 5 CL places, we should be in with a shout, but it's (as ever) going to be tough.

100%. I would add that I expect an evolution of the current system we've used since Emery came in to offer more flexibility to counter different opposition, so players coming in may not obviously fit what we have seen so far. Teams will treat us differently next season and we need ways to break down packed defences that won't be drawn onto us. I'm sure the incoming players will give Unai many more options to change things up and we'll see more horses-for-courses rotation next season.

The Swiss coverage on here has really made me laugh tonight. What a mad competition.

"first step" - ohhh yes please Unai.

So we don't play till the end of August? Was hoping for some early action, but I guess allows some hols, transfers and putting in place the masterplan.

Gonna be a fun few months. Plan A - Europe conquest is go.

Europe. After that start under Gerrard. Football - bloody hell. Unai - you are amazing.

I HATE late flag rule.

Kamara. Oooo.

What a goal. Beautiful.

Showcase 106 Right - finally time! Come on.

Good to see mitoma and caicedo on their bench.

Yes - this would be perfect. Hopefully with some of the goals in the last 10 mins. But also with us 3-0 up by then.

Haha - wtf! Just finished chores, opened a cold one and sat down ready for kickoff. Another 90 mins to wait - noooo!

This is such a poor argument though. If we finish 8th this year, then make 5th and CL next year, we'll be even less well equipped to cope with trying to compete in Europe's top competition and the league. Better to take a step, build the squad and compete in the junior competition with less at stake. If that means a year or 2 longer before we hit the CL then I think we'll be more prepared when we get there. I want it to be a long term involvement, not a one off.

This thread is a complete waste of internet. I can't believe I've read it and found myself thinking - yeah, but what if he did come?

We obviously have no idea how our, or others, recruitment will go, but I think it is safe to assume we will certainly be going for it and recruiting strongly - and hopefully successfully. As things stand at the moment, going on the evidence from Emery's time in charge, we will be competitive for a place in the top 6. We are very likely to improve as much, if not more, than our competition over the course of a full season of Emery input, with his recruitment and pre-season. Yes - there is likely to be a lot of change before the season starts, but for me: Citeh will obviously be the favourites. Then Utd, Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle are likely to be up there but I can see continued inconsistencies from all of them and this is where we need to be challenging. Brighton I doubt will be the same force again (possibly losing players and maybe De Zerbi). Spurs and Chelsea will still be a mess.

For all the praise Brighton are getting, we have been as good if not slightly better than them since Emery came in. Their away form is pretty good, but our home form has been excellent. Should be a really good game - I expect a few goals - I don't think they'll sit back which will play to our strengths. Big, big game, but we can do this.

They don't have a manager though so won't be signing off any deals before that I doubt. Gives a bit of time to sell the Emery train to him.

I think the permutations may be getting to some in here today!

In that case I'm happy for them to stop up! I'd love to see them down with Leeds, but pretty sure they'll be one of the favorites for the drop next season as they've no money. Just can't see any fight in Leicester.

What joy to have a final day match that really matters (in a good way, rather than relegation). Can't wait for it.

Just because we are linked with/sign a CB first, it doesn't mean money won't be spent on attack. Emery has said many times that attackers are a priority. It will happen, but not necessarily first. Signings don't happen in order of priority need and as the club said post Alemany, we have money to spend.

Just amazing to have him here. Fan base 100% united behind the manager. Players rising to the challenge. Media starting to register what's happening here. I can't wait for next season to see what he can do with a few extra players and a full prep season. So exciting.