BitcoinNews.com's UEFA Champions League Football Preditor Pool Discussion thread

[casperBGD]

~snip

I had solid start to the pool but nowhere near what @slaman29 did. I sort of think Superbru should have adjusted slam points for CL predictor. They are made for 10 games format so they are super easy to get during CL group stage (16 games) and impossible to get in later elimination stages. It basically means that whoever is first at the end of group stage usually holds that position quite easy while we have lots of drama in other pools.

agree, whoever holds top position after group stage, will be almost seen as a winner in the end
but would argue that it is just up to Superbru slam points, it is up to number of matches as well, there is lower number of teams/matches, and it is really hard to make up the difference

nevertheless, it was a great play yesterday by @slaman29, and he is naming himself for the winning this pool

[1714609736]

1714609736

[Harkorede]

~snip

I had solid start to the pool but nowhere near what @slaman29 did. I sort of think Superbru should have adjusted slam points for CL predictor. They are made for 10 games format so they are super easy to get during CL group stage (16 games) and impossible to get in later elimination stages. It basically means that whoever is first at the end of group stage usually holds that position quite easy while we have lots of drama in other pools.

agree, whoever holds top position after group stage, will be almost seen as a winner in the end
but would argue that it is just up to Superbru slam points, it is up to number of matches as well, there is lower number of teams/matches, and it is really hard to make up the difference

nevertheless, it was a great play yesterday by @slaman29, and he is naming himself for the winning this pool

I'm getting rotten at the bottom, but not too bad in terms of points...

I'm currently 9/10 but there is I think just about 6.5 points between first and last, so it's still a close one, and one good group stage round could change a lot, however, if someone can take a double digits lead past the round of 16, then it's mostly like they're gonna win it.

[buwaytress]

We can bash Ronaldo here and there and have fun on his account, he sort of invites it with his gestures and poses but nobody can take away his winning mentality and physical levels. It is not coincidence that he scores those super late goals, he capitalizes on opponents fatigue, both physical and mental and then scores when they drop their levels just a bit.

Ronaldo and Messi, as much as I think there are others to talk about, I cannot really understand why anyone would ever say these guys are bad/worse. I personally prefer Messi, but both are extreme athletes on another spectrum most of us will only dream to witness. And yeah, actually we all played with some kind of guy in our team or in the other team who thinks highly of themselves and flexes when the girls pass by or stands on toes when photos are taken -- Ronaldo is the metrosexual vanity player who is all this and more BUT actually deserves his chest-pumping. He is the pure athlete, everything he does is calculated and as you say, he takes maximum advantage.

~snip

I had solid start to the pool but nowhere near what @slaman29 did. I sort of think Superbru should have adjusted slam points for CL predictor. They are made for 10 games format so they are super easy to get during CL group stage (16 games) and impossible to get in later elimination stages. It basically means that whoever is first at the end of group stage usually holds that position quite easy while we have lots of drama in other pools.

agree, whoever holds top position after group stage, will be almost seen as a winner in the end
but would argue that it is just up to Superbru slam points, it is up to number of matches as well, there is lower number of teams/matches, and it is really hard to make up the difference

I'm currently 9/10 but there is I think just about 6.5 points between first and last, so it's still a close one, and one good group stage round could change a lot, however, if someone can take a double digits lead past the round of 16, then it's mostly like they're gonna win it.

Also, seems like the slam points are totally pointless. We all got 3 points. Which we normally would never get in any stage at all. So nobody got an advantage for this, and I agree, that's an oversight on Superbru's part cause there's no reward for the guy who got the most right outcomes. Interestingly, 1st and last place in the group got equal right outcomes. While I got 1 less right outcome (11).

[casperBGD]

~snip

Also, seems like the slam points are totally pointless. We all got 3 points. Which we normally would never get in any stage at all. So nobody got an advantage for this, and I agree, that's an oversight on Superbru's part cause there's no reward for the guy who got the most right outcomes. Interestingly, 1st and last place in the group got equal right outcomes. While I got 1 less right outcome (11).

yeah, all got 3 points
it seems that all difference is up to number of exact scores

regarding matches and results, must say that I did not expect from Ajax to win both matches against Dortmund with such confidence (cost me in my pool prediction, but skipped betting against them), they play really good football, if the draw suit them, they can see new semi-final maybe
all the others came much/less as expected, I thought that PSG will keep their lead in Leipzig

[cryptofrka]

Hahah, told you all. I was 1st in the previous one, got the wooden spoon as soon as we switched. What to say - I crack under pressure

These kind of rounds with a lot of clear favorites are the hardest for me - I never get these results correct and picking the correct winners doesn't really get you anywhere - I got 11 out of 16 games correct.

[buwaytress]

Hahah, told you all. I was 1st in the previous one, got the wooden spoon as soon as we switched. What to say - I crack under pressure

These kind of rounds with a lot of clear favorites are the hardest for me - I never get these results correct and picking the correct winners doesn't really get you anywhere - I got 11 out of 16 games correct.

Oh man my friend I feel sorry for you, I just saw you were last now haha. Don't forget to put your picks in guys, I know it's disappointing when you're down with so few Match days left but hey, one super good round could change everything, right? =D

I took it very easy this time around. I didn't check odds or anything, I just went for what in my mind should be clear favourites -- and I think the majority of the games have one.

Just be careful of already-qualified teams. Liverpool I used to trust to win everything but Klopp has become way more pragmatic than his early days so I can almost be sure he'll use B team to prevent injuries and bookings.

[hilariousetc]

Man United V Villa Real game could be interesting. If Man U lose or draw and Atlanta win today it will certainly make the last game United play against Young Boys as they could be out. Ronaldo wouldn't be happy about that. With today's match being the first with Michael Carrick in charge I think anything could happen. Don't get the logic of sacking managers midseason when there's nobody else lined up especially when you're just going with someone with no previous managerial experience.

[casperBGD]

Man United V Villa Real game could be interesting.

~snip

TBH, I expect a win from Manchester
it will be really hard to see them out after group stage, although at the moment, far from impossible
Villareal is good team, but all depends on Manchester in that one, goals are most expected option on the match, at least one from each side, and probably over2.5

Chelsea seems as great option, home win over Juventus

[Trofo]

Just be careful of already-qualified teams. Liverpool I used to trust to win everything but Klopp has become way more pragmatic than his early days so I can almost be sure he'll use B team to prevent injuries and bookings.

With the busy schedules clubs have no option but to save their best players in unimportant matches. That goes double for Premier League clubs which have crazy holiday schedule coming up plus long benches. That goes even more for Chelsea and City but Liverpool has to do some changes for sure to keep their first 11 out of the red zone. For instance Salah plays in the form of his life and he is on pitch 90 minutes every game. How long can he continue to do that? Maybe Klopp counts on him going to Africa Cup and wants to squeeze everything from him while he still has him

I see United won without letting in a goal. Were they that much better defensively or was this simply a fluke from Villareal. Could not watch early matches since i was playing with my buddies.

[slaman29]

Definitely surprised me that Chelsea won by such a big scoreline. We all knew they were big favorites but remember against Malmo all they could do was score 1 goal and it was a very lucky one too, whereas here they all finished chances well.

Other surprise which is not a real surprise is Barcelona drawing... which makes me worried but also okay at the same time since all they need to do is win their next 2 games.

Halab did well with the only slam point so far

[buwaytress]

Just be careful of already-qualified teams. Liverpool I used to trust to win everything but Klopp has become way more pragmatic than his early days so I can almost be sure he'll use B team to prevent injuries and bookings.

With the busy schedules clubs have no option but to save their best players in unimportant matches. That goes double for Premier League clubs which have crazy holiday schedule coming up plus long benches. That goes even more for Chelsea and City but Liverpool has to do some changes for sure to keep their first 11 out of the red zone. For instance Salah plays in the form of his life and he is on pitch 90 minutes every game. How long can he continue to do that? Maybe Klopp counts on him going to Africa Cup and wants to squeeze everything from him while he still has him

I see United won without letting in a goal. Were they that much better defensively or was this simply a fluke from Villareal. Could not watch early matches since i was playing with my buddies.

Yeah actually I personally think Salah and Mane (dunno about Keita) even seem to play a different pace on internationals (I sometimes try to watch AFCON especially), but their teams play a very different style anyway (no pressing is the most obvious) so maybe they're just so good at switching styles for formations. Maybe you're right Klopp spends them up all the way through Christmas so others can be used up more in January. Sounds like something he'd do haha.

I watched most of the United game -- Villareal had over 60% possession, 7 corners to their 1, and just poor finishing in the final third to blame. Midfield was as bad if not worse as their other games in group, but everything changed after Bruno came on. Fred is not good, I doubt he'd even get a spot in mid table teams. I never liked his play, weak and fumbling.

My envy for you playing football. I miss it really badly. Trying again this winter to reapply to some waiting lists for some indoor football clubs. If you don't know anyone in the city you live in, it seems they just don't look at you.

[hilariousetc]

Definitely surprised me that Chelsea won by such a big scoreline. We all knew they were big favorites but remember against Malmo all they could do was score 1 goal and it was a very lucky one too, whereas here they all finished chances well.

Other surprise which is not a real surprise is Barcelona drawing... which makes me worried but also okay at the same time since all they need to do is win their next 2 games.

Halab did well with the only slam point so far

Well I agree, but like Barcelona Juventus aren't the same team they used to be. If Chelsea keep playing like this I guess the PL will be there's this year. They're playing Man U on the weekend which could be interesting. I'm tempted to go with a large scoreline in that match with a home win as well but maybe United will be wanting to change their fortunes around now.

I watched most of the United game -- Villareal had over 60% possession, 7 corners to their 1, and just poor finishing in the final third to blame. Midfield was as bad if not worse as their other games in group, but everything changed after Bruno came on. Fred is not good, I doubt he'd even get a spot in mid table teams. I never liked his play, weak and fumbling.

I wanted them to lose just to make this round's last games more interesting. That, and to see Ronaldo's face when he doesn't even make it out of the CL group stages.

[Trofo]

My envy for you playing football. I miss it really badly. Trying again this winter to reapply to some waiting lists for some indoor football clubs. If you don't know anyone in the city you live in, it seems they just don't look at you.

You mean like competitive football? I am playing just for fun with my buddies and it is difficult to find the team when you are not living in your home city.

One tip for you if just for fun works for you. When I went on longer trips over the Europe, working for few months in Denmark or Germany I just went into 2 closest artificial grass futsal complexes and advertised my availability when somebody is missing the player. If it is a small complex there is usually only one guy working there and you just buy him a beer and he hooks you up with some teams that always miss players. If it is a bigger place you print it out on paper as add and post on notice board. Both times worked for me and I ended playing several times per week during my stay.


To get back on topic, I watched Barca yesterday and they are trying to play better football but they are missing a bit of killer instinct in the last third and they are running into offsides like they don't know what it is Now tough position for them, they need something against Bayern in Germany to pass the group since Benfica will probably get all three points against Dynamo. Could have been even worse since Benfica had a 200% opportunity to score in last minutes on counter attack. Can't believe that guy managed to miss it. Look it up if you did not see that one.

[slaman29]

Definitely surprised me that Chelsea won by such a big scoreline. We all knew they were big favorites but remember against Malmo all they could do was score 1 goal and it was a very lucky one too, whereas here they all finished chances well.

Other surprise which is not a real surprise is Barcelona drawing... which makes me worried but also okay at the same time since all they need to do is win their next 2 games.

Halab did well with the only slam point so far

Well I agree, but like Barcelona Juventus aren't the same team they used to be. If Chelsea keep playing like this I guess the PL will be there's this year. They're playing Man U on the weekend which could be interesting. I'm tempted to go with a large scoreline in that match with a home win as well but maybe United will be wanting to change their fortunes around now.

I read that Chelsea is having highest expected goals because they have so many players capable of attacking but that it is supposed to dry up. Not according to the stats and goals scored statistics!

And this is when Lukaku is injured too so I also think they might go and win both UCL and EPL if they continue like this.

United will be hungry to beat them I hope otherwise it will get boring.

[casperBGD]

Ajax is down in Istanbul and Inter is having trouble with Shakhtar
what a start for Wednesday

Shakhtar is playing solid football, and they could make a surprise in second half in Milano

looking forward to Sporting - Dortmund tonight, will be a fair fight for second place

[buwaytress]

Who else is bored stiff by Inter?

I wanted them to lose just to make this round's last games more interesting. That, and to see Ronaldo's face when he doesn't even make it out of the CL group stages.

Same. Love the goals he brings to CL but I haven't had my fill of United misery, and the fact every English team now (City yet to qualify but they'll do it I mean, Brugge and Leipzig...) is through to Last 16 makes me a bit annoyed as I feel it's a big waste if they meet in KO.

It does feel a bit shitty that United played their worst football and are still through, thanks to individual brilliance. Still, was good seeing Sancho finally play. It's never nice to see talent rotting on the bench.

You mean like competitive football? I am playing just for fun with my buddies and it is difficult to find the team when you are not living in your home city.

One tip for you if just for fun works for you. When I went on longer trips over the Europe, working for few months in Denmark or Germany I just went into 2 closest artificial grass futsal complexes and advertised my availability when somebody is missing the player. If it is a small complex there is usually only one guy working there and you just buy him a beer and he hooks you up with some teams that always miss players. If it is a bigger place you print it out on paper as add and post on notice board. Both times worked for me and I ended playing several times per week during my stay.

Definitely for fun! I last played amateur competition almost 10 years ago, and then on futsal 8 years ago (damn).

Where I am now yeah, there are amateur clubs for indoor football and I've signed up for the 2 closest to me, others are over 30 mins away and if I travel in late evenings I might spend even 45 mins one way travel, which including game time would mean I'm away for long enough for my SO to murder me. I enter myself in the "worst" category, which is probably accurate of my ability anyway, and supposedly when a space is available they pick the next one on waiting list, but I have been here almost 2 years now and checking back they keep saying everything is full.

I might do what you say, and just show up a lot until someone takes pity on me. It seems quite strict there though, once you're in a team you HAVE to show up every week, if you don't show up 3 times without good excuse you're out. But that's very good advice, I think I will make friends with beers and see if they'll bestow on me a slot or two =D

Sorry for off-topic guys!

[Harkorede]

Ajax is down in Istanbul and Inter is having trouble with Shakhtar
what a start for Wednesday

Shakhtar is playing solid football, and they could make a surprise in second half in Milano

looking forward to Sporting - Dortmund tonight, will be a fair fight for second place

Ajax have just equalised, that means trouble for Besiktas, it's been quite an even game so far but I'll expect Ajax to go all out for the win night.

Inter have also just taken the lead against Shaktar, with a goal from Dzeko and there was an impressive build up to go goal, It's been coming all along.

[Trofo]

Ajax have just equalised, that means trouble for Besiktas, it's been quite an even game so far but I'll expect Ajax to go all out for the win night.

Ajax is playing some incredible football this season, they are my dark horse in this competition and I expect to back them even against heavy hitters in later stages. Have a feeling we are due to see one "small" club come far and I expect Ajax to do that. Of course if they manage to hold on to all their players during winter transfer window. Could be very different Ajax team after it since there is always plenty of rich clubs targeting their players.

[buwaytress]

Ajax is playing some incredible football this season, they are my dark horse in this competition and I expect to back them even against heavy hitters in later stages. Have a feeling we are due to see one "small" club come far and I expect Ajax to do that. Of course if they manage to hold on to all their players during winter transfer window. Could be very different Ajax team after it since there is always plenty of rich clubs targeting their players.

Wasn't watching but yeah, they've also been absolutely dominating in Eredivisie (thanks also in part to some good steals from their closest rivals)  but nice that you picked them as the dark horse. That's my "thing" most seasons, to pick one in a competition and back them all the way for high-value bets but I actually only do that in Europa.

The good thing about Ajax is they know what they are, which is a factory for the rest of Europe. So they always build with short-term ideas, knowing they can't hold on to their stars. So it's a permanent flux, and they're used to it.

Of course it also helps they do have a pretty good coach... whom I hope doesn't cross the channel to go Manchester...

[casperBGD]

~snip
Ajax is playing some incredible football this season, they are my dark horse in this competition and I expect to back them even against heavy hitters in later stages. Have a feeling we are due to see one "small" club come far and I expect Ajax to do that. Of course if they manage to hold on to all their players during winter transfer window. Could be very different Ajax team after it since there is always plenty of rich clubs targeting their players.

Ajax had their chance in 2019, kicking out Real and Juventus, but kicked by Tottenham late goals in Amsterdam
they were already seen in finals after win in London and lead at home

I cannot imagine seen this season different, maybe semi-final is too far for them, IMO, but they need more than great football to reach final, stability, and I think that they lack it again, will be interesting, for sure