Wonder what Newcastle fans think? Happy to be playing the big teams after being away from Europe for so long? Or wishing they'd got an easier group that gives them a better chance of qualifying?
I think the current format is really stale. Remains to be seen how this new set up will work. The extra games isn't great
Debatable. I think we've had some really good knockout ties in recent years. It's the group stages that I find stale which isn't going to change with the new format.
I was specifically referring to the group stage. The knockouts are fine and won't change outside of having a 'bye' round. That said, I'm willing to see it. At the moment you play 3 sides twice. In the new system you'll play 8 different teams once. And they're binning off drop downs as well, which I'm for. You'll get more variety of winners in the Europa because of it.
We've been lucky but they should change this nonsense pots composition, you can't have Benfica and Feyenoord in Pot 1 and Madrid, United, us, Atletico and Dortmund in Pot 2. If you want to put the winners of the leagues in Pot 1 you should stop at the Top 4 leagues.
I just happen to be on holiday there when the game is on so I thought I'd treat myself, as I won't make their La Liga game the previous Saturday. Now to hope I don't get attacked by any Antwerp ultras!
Don't think there will be any hostility for this game, the majority of us are just there to enjoy it even if we lose 5-0. There's no expectations, just disbelief of actually playing CL football against one of the best teams in the world when just 6 years ago we spent 13 seasons in 2nd division. Our last game at this level was in 1957 against Real Madrid. I usually don't do away games but a friend of mine lives in Barcelona and said 2-3 weeks before I'm welcome anytime. So last weekend at 3am when I was shitfaced I decided to check flights and booked one, staying there for 4 days and he arranged the tickets so that's all nice. Paying about £120 for flights, tickets and free lodging
So Feyenoord should be in pot 1 instead of Real Madrid because they won Eredivisie... Ok, but it sounds ridicolous to me.
Got room for another two?! My hotel is £700+ for 6 nights. Getting in on the 16th and leaving on the 22nd
PSV at home! First CL group match since 2016. Will be interesting to see who Arteta brings into/out of the team, especially with the NLD on Sunday. I'd bring Havertz and Jesus back in.
UEFA always have great priorities, 20k fine for Villareal for racial abuse to Mario/Yaya then 40k for us for kicking off late Vs Porto. Who gives a shit about Press conferences
