Tottenham Insider
(bringing my posts over from FC24 as the starter..)
Forum Discussion
A fixture against an English club in the Champions League draw? Is that even possible? I must admit I haven't fully understood the new format yet. But I would have thought that you couldn't be drawn to play a team from your own country in the first eight games...
@JustinCase0110 wrote:A fixture against an English club in the Champions League draw? Is that even possible? I must admit I haven't fully understood the new format yet. But I would have thought that you couldn't be drawn to play a team from your own country in the first eight games...
Essentially, they throw all the teams in one big pile.
36 teams segregated into 4 pots of 9 teams and the draw decides which 2 teams from each pot you'll play (can be teams from your own country). And then, it is about the ranking after eight games. Top 8 advances immediately to round of 16, while numbers 9 - 24 play an preliminary round in between.
I personally would have preferred 40 teams: 8 groups of 5 teams. You play those home and away and you have eight group games as well. But I think it has been a very big compromise to those clubs threatening with their own super league. The effect of this is that you emphasize the differences between the bigger and smaller teams.
Already we've seen crazy scores (9-2, 7-1, 5-0) because for the bigger teams it's easy points, while smaller teams don't want to waste energy on a mission impossible: as long as you defeat the teams from pots 3 and 4, you're not out immediately.
- @Danimal5981 Thanks for clearing that up. I knew about the next step, who advances and so forth, but it was new information for me that you can end up playing a team from your own country in the first round. And it's still wrong to me, shouldn't be allowed to happen IMO.
@LABoog4 wrote:
@thurlow885My work would just let me limp around! Though, I do sit in an office so that's probably why. I like injuries impacting the team but going into the season, vdV, Vicario, Udogie and Porro were the four that I really did not want anything to happen to. Everyone else we have options to work around but those four are needed because of what they bring or the depth in those areas.
We signed this guy named Archie Gray from some random club, he is going to be big in adding depth at CB, RB, and DM.The good thing with these Grays and Leeds is they regenerate. We've got Harry now (altho he's injured š)
A good old fashioned spanking for Everton and a hat trick for Solanke is a great all round. Champions League draw not half bad but a NLD drawn in 2 comps early on throws some extra unpredictability in there
I was not aware you can play teams from your own league. I am not a fan of it but for the story line here, playing a NLD is kind of exciting. Though, I like the format where you can only play your own league in the later rounds.
Man CIty hurting players. John Stones and Jack Grealish joining/rejoining Villa. Phil Foden to Newcastle, that's got to hurt in the blue end of Manchester. But maybe there isn't such a great difference from playing for Al Mubarak to now playing for Al Rumayyan.
Interesting breakdown of your centerback opportunities. Obviously Romero and van de Ven is your favourite pairing, perhaps also one of the best duos in the league. But with van de Ven out, I thought Dragusin would be an obvious choice. Losing possession 10 times is a damning stat for him though - especially when some of them proved to be costly mistakes. Good luck figuring this out over the next few months, until van de Ven returns.
Judging from those stats and how I know them IRL and in-game, I'd go for a pairing of Romero + v.d. Ven.
Decisions decisions decisions, who'd be a manager hey š¤š
Tough call to make especially with a bug NLD coming up. Problem for Defenders and Keepers if they make mistakes they are costly (just ask Illan Meslier Friday night š) and are obviously more scrutinised. Do you take the risk or completely ruining their confidence by dropping them or take the chance they won't make the same mistake again?
Aston Villa having an interesting Window as well seeing their latest signings. Bringing Jack back too.
- @JustinCase0110 remember Man City are in league 2 now so losing those players was probably a requirement. Players forced out or leaving due to wages. I agree on Dragusin, him losing the ball so much is killing me.
@Danimal5981 Romero and v.d. Ven is the best for sure. Just trying to find the pairing while v.d. Ven is out. His pace is so important for the high line, irl and in the game. - @thurlow885 I ended up not making a change for the NLD. I did not want to risk Davies or Gray and I also did not think it would be realistic to make that big of a change in this game.
The first of many North London Derbies ending without a winner. Keeping Arsenal behind you in the table. Being a home game this was probably one that should have ended as a win. But going 1-0 down, I suppose you can't be too unhappy about a draw.
Two points from the 3rd place. I expect Fulham and Brighton to fall off eventually, so the 3rd place should be up for the taking.
@LABoog4 wrote:
@thurlow885I ended up not making a change for the NLD. I did not want to risk Davies or Gray and I also did not think it would be realistic to make that big of a change in this game.Realistically probably the smartest play.
At least avoided defeat against Arsenal, obviously would've wanted a win, but this wasn't a worse case outcome that's for sure
- @JustinCase0110 I also think Villa and United will improve. Those squads are too good in the game to not move up the table.
You are right, this was the NLD we needed to win. Especially after taking control in the second half. - @thurlow885 Brentford is next in the league, that is the time I am going to try some changes.
That Sky Sports thingy... love that. I'm a sucker for stats, because it gives me an idea of the game without having watched it. And the white-on-white score bord is an improvement, but that's a matter of style and taste which I both severely lack <chuckle>
At first sight, it seems a very evenly match. But looking closer, it looks more like a game of two halves where the first is clearly yours (Spurs) and the second is for the opposition (Bees). Where are you in the grander scheme of things (Premier League) ?
Whoa, true FIFA-game, that against Lille. Absolutely smashed it, but going out of it with only a draw.
Like @Danimal5981, I also really enjoy these stats updates. Gives the reader a pretty good idea of the game.
A draw in the first game isn't all bad, but this was probably one of those you should've won...
- @Danimal5981 I agree, I love stats. I actually spend about 10 minutes after each match putting in individual player stats too. Gives be a better way to judge who to keep playing, who to sell, etc and takes out any bias feelings I have.
I will post a table tonight, I moved up to third after the Bees win. - @JustinCase0110 Jonathan David was a nightmare to play against. Statistically, I dominated but every time he had the ball, I felt like he might score. With his pace and directness, he was difficult to defend.
Early days, but sat in top 3 with top Goalscorer and Top Assister so pretty impressive start for Spurs. Things looking good for youngsters as well with Udogie performing well
- The 6-1 win over Everton really boosted the early stats. 3 goals for Solanke and the 2 assists for Kuluveski in that game.
