⚽ Sportsbet.io ⚽ Spanish La Liga ⚽ Football Pool Discussion Thread 2023/2024

[LTU_btc]

another tough round for me, and I am a bit down in the pool, but it is a long season

why do you think that it is not making any sense? Sociedad is a good team, but to win every match on a side is too much for Atletico, and for Sociedad as well

Yeah, it's not likely that Spciedad will play so good all season long. But until now Getafe looked completely awful and they didn't looked like a team who can take points in this game.

I still feel like there's light at the end of the tunnel so they cal salvage their season with just UCL qualification -- and at least group progress. Coutinho, Depay, Fati, just some names who have to perform. Distribute Messi's burden among themselves, so to speak. There are other big names in that team but I'm not even counting on them (as their problem now is to fix their confidence and that only happens when they can score frantically as they used to again).

I know it's an oversimplification of a convoluted problem there but you know what? Get a point against Valencia. Win against Dynamo and they can breathe a little easier.

Take heart, Harkorede and slaman29

I think that even with current squad, Barca results can't be justified. We should be in Top 4 in La Liga I think and fight for 2nd place in CL group. I hope that return of Fati will help, but as we saw, it will took some time for him to get into optimal condition.

[Harkorede]

I think that even with current squad, Barca results can't be justified. We should be in Top 4 in La Liga I think and fight for 2nd place in CL group. I hope that return of Fati will help, but as we saw, it will took some time for him to get into optimal condition.

Exactly, Barcelona are in shambles but we've still got a squad capable of grinding out results, and what we are getting is way far from what the team is capable of under the right management, which I'm insistent on Koeman leaving, but it looks like we'll likely be stuck with for the while.

He should always go for what he wants from a match, you don't go into a game with a mindset of not losing with a team like Barcelona.

[slaman29]

I know it's an oversimplification of a convoluted problem there but you know what? Get a point against Valencia. Win against Dynamo and they can breathe a little easier.

Take heart, Harkorede and slaman29

I know, thanks for that, my heart cannot be broken worse than it currently is thanks to Messi lol

But just kidding for sure, I mean I was the one last season already asking for Barca or rather hoping, that that was the season they broke. Winning no cups, finishing outside UCL spots, and just playing badly all season.

That would force the club to let go of all the deadweight and rebuild.

The rebuild happens now and the people are being let go, but because of money rather than performance, so my wish sort of came true but in the worst way possible. That's okay, new team new life for next season. I hope!

[casperBGD]

~snip

I think that even with current squad, Barca results can't be justified. We should be in Top 4 in La Liga I think and fight for 2nd place in CL group. I hope that return of Fati will help, but as we saw, it will took some time for him to get into optimal condition.

yeah, agree on this, but it will be hard
Barca is lucky that Benfica did not win over Dinamo, since that would be an almost impossible mission, now it could happen, but Benfica is in a really good position to stay on position 2, it is surreal to see Barcelona on last position without points and goal diff 0:6 after two matches, that would be miserable for any team that joins CL group stage

in La Liga, it is a "luck" that there is not enough quality opponents, so most probably Barca will finish within top4 (I really doubt that outside Madrid duo and Sevilla any team could finish above Barca, although hope that Valencia can do that )

[buwaytress]

I think that even with current squad, Barca results can't be justified. We should be in Top 4 in La Liga I think and fight for 2nd place in CL group. I hope that return of Fati will help, but as we saw, it will took some time for him to get into optimal condition.

Exactly, Barcelona are in shambles but we've still got a squad capable of grinding out results, and what we are getting is way far from what the team is capable of under the right management, which I'm insistent on Koeman leaving, but it looks like we'll likely be stuck with for the while.

He should always go for what he wants from a match, you don't go into a game with a mindset of not losing with a team like Barcelona.

That's just the weight of expectation on them really. I remember when Liverpool were plumbing trade in 6th or 7th place most of the time and arguably, they had the squad that should have been below 10th. Many critics will also say we should be in 3rd/4th at best, but every season we seem to overperform and get 1st/2nd of late.

Grinding out results have never really been Barca's traits I'd say. They know how to win and to subdue opponents, but don't really know how to tough it out for 3 points.

Anyway, everyone back on International duty and here's a silver lining for you: Barca still has a Spanish spine whereas in the last UCL outing for Real, there were exactly zero Spanish players... so if Spain beat Italy and have a few good games maybe they take some of that back to the league later.

[DIA7]

I think that even with current squad, Barca results can't be justified. We should be in Top 4 in La Liga I think and fight for 2nd place in CL group. I hope that return of Fati will help, but as we saw, it will took some time for him to get into optimal condition.

Exactly, Barcelona are in shambles but we've still got a squad capable of grinding out results, and what we are getting is way far from what the team is capable of under the right management, which I'm insistent on Koeman leaving, but it looks like we'll likely be stuck with for the while.

He should always go for what he wants from a match, you don't go into a game with a mindset of not losing with a team like Barcelona.

That's just the weight of expectation on them really. I remember when Liverpool were plumbing trade in 6th or 7th place most of the time and arguably, they had the squad that should have been below 10th. Many critics will also say we should be in 3rd/4th at best, but every season we seem to overperform and get 1st/2nd of late.

Grinding out results have never really been Barca's traits I'd say. They know how to win and to subdue opponents, but don't really know how to tough it out for 3 points.

Anyway, everyone back on International duty and here's a silver lining for you: Barca still has a Spanish spine whereas in the last UCL outing for Real, there were exactly zero Spanish players... so if Spain beat Italy and have a few good games maybe they take some of that back to the league later.

yeah I hope that Barcelona gets back on for because its costing me a lot of points from results that's not expected.
Koeman situation for Barcelona is still unclear rumors have never stopped popping of potential replacement for him or every game played was going to be his last the only positive point I see for Barcelona is their La Masia School as its considered one of the best schools for graduating young players in the world, as it produced a wonderful generation of players such as Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and others, who led Barca to many local and European achievements.

[Trofo]

Did not watch a lot of Barca this season so I missed Gavi games but I watched whole Spain game yesterday and that kid seriously impressed me. He was by far the best midfielder in the game and there was players like Veratti, Jorgihno, Koke and Busquets on the pitch. Barca has bright future with him and Pedri in the centre positions. We could have another Xavi-Iniesta partnership brewing if Barca plays their cards right.

[slaman29]

Did not watch a lot of Barca this season so I missed Gavi games but I watched whole Spain game yesterday and that kid seriously impressed me. He was by far the best midfielder in the game and there was players like Veratti, Jorgihno, Koke and Busquets on the pitch. Barca has bright future with him and Pedri in the centre positions. We could have another Xavi-Iniesta partnership brewing if Barca plays their cards right.

There's actually a lot to look forward to when it comes to our youngsters (and I know people hate bringing up Dembele but I still have some tiny hopes that he finds a way to put his injuries behind him) but the main issue for me now is that some of our really bright prospects may fear the present and future. For example Fati, his contract comes up next year and of course we want to renew him but with the way our finances are, I don't dare to think of who we will sacrifice next.

So in this sense, I don't dare to think of the future especially if Champions League money doesn't come (if we get KO early and if we don't qualify).

[Trofo]

Time to bring this topic up the pages and remind you guys to put your predictions in. We finally have some club football after that pesky international break Not many derby matches in Spain this weekend so I picked Barca - Valencia for our free bet challenge. This one would have been a cracker couple of seasons, hopefully it will be good this time around as well. Looking forward to see Barca line up. we could see Aguero for the first time, maybe he will kick them into higher gear.

[tomahawk9]

Looking forward to see Barca line up. we could see Aguero for the first time, maybe he will kick them into higher gear.

i feel like the last time we saw Aguero playing at a high level was like 2 years ago. Could take him some time to recover that top level that he was known for
He did score a goal today in a friendly, but no one was marking him seriously there.

already i see Barca to win at 1.5 odds...expected cos Valencia are going through a rough patch (winless in the last 4 games), but they've been showing some decent performances over the last few years at the camp nou (3L 2D 1W since 2016), and that was against a much stronger FC Barcelona

[casperBGD]

it is time for picks
do anyone know why Real and Atletico matches are postponed?

there are some good matches, beside Barca and Valencia, which is obviously a best match for weekend, I expect good game in Vigo, Celta and Sevilla could be a derby as well, teams are solid, and it will be tough for Sevilla to win, or even take a draw, last year 3:4 match was a gem
regarding others, will be interested to see what teams will put after the international break, and Espanyol looks as potential screw-up after win over Real prior to break

[Trofo]

it is time for picks
do anyone know why Real and Atletico matches are postponed?

Because they are pampered cry babies and they asked for postponement due to South American qualifiers and La Liga granted it. No matter all other teams are playing across all top leagues 

Quite a few clubs are affected, especially in Premier League, but I guess Madrid clubs have too short benches to compensate and La Liga recongized their cry for help 

Sorry had to take a chance to bash them a little.

[Harkorede]

it is time for picks
do anyone know why Real and Atletico matches are postponed?

Because they are pampered cry babies and they asked for postponement due to South American qualifiers and La Liga granted it. No matter all other teams are playing across all top leagues  

Quite a few clubs are affected, especially in Premier League, but I guess Madrid clubs have too short benches to compensate and La Liga recongized their cry for help  

Sorry had to take a chance to bash them a little.

It's really understand able for Real Madrid, having a number of players in the qualifiers at least two regular starters, but I'm not sure why some other league wouldn't accept such requests, PSG are having a match in about 30 minutes meanwhile 5 of their first team players are missing due to the same South American qualifiers, how fair ?


I'm not sure how interestingly I anticipate any of Barcelona anymore, but Valencia might be a one to see for this weekend, Aguero is said to be back, but I'm not expecting the same Aguero he used to be, even though having him up front or in standby would be better than not being able to count on him at all.

[LTU_btc]

Because they are pampered cry babies and they asked for postponement due to South American qualifiers and La Liga granted it. No matter all other teams are playing across all top leagues 

Quite a few clubs are affected, especially in Premier League, but I guess Madrid clubs have too short benches to compensate and La Liga recongized their cry for help 

Sorry had to take a chance to bash them a little.

But I don't understand why South America nqualifiers window ends so late. Brazil or Argentina played on Thursday and less than after 24 hours PSG have league game. It just doesn't makes sense.
About Barca game against Valencia, honestly, I don't even know what to expect from my team.

[tomahawk9]

It's really understand able for Real Madrid, having a number of players in the qualifiers at least two regular starters, but I'm not sure why some other league wouldn't accept such requests, PSG are having a match in about 30 minutes meanwhile 5 of their first team players are missing due to the same South American qualifiers, how fair ?

i'm gonna go out on a limb and say that no other team requested their game to be postponed. La Liga knew Madrid and Atletico's request was fair and agreed, as they should, since the players came back from 12-hour flight less than 2 days ago

But I don't understand why South America nqualifiers window ends so late. Brazil or Argentina played on Thursday and less than after 24 hours PSG have league game. It just doesn't makes sense.

south america qualifiers had more fixtures during the break (each NT played 3 games) than the european qualifiers (just two fixtures)

[buwaytress]

Heh yeah, Liverpool played without their Samba (but kept the one that got the hattrick) and we played better than expected. Hope the delay bites them back in the ass =p

Anyway, surprised my draw actually got it nice. Actually did think 0-0 for Getafe but I mistakenly thought the break might give people some motivation to score.

Sociedad saved us all since no one went for even a draw.

And then Rayo, hmm rdbase! 3-3? That's faith haha!

[LTU_btc]

Not an easy game for Barca, but probably it we won't havemany easy games this season. But I think our win is well deserved. Fati still not ready to play 90 minutes, but he already gives a lot for Barca. Finally, debut of Aguero, though, he played just for few minutes
Now we are moving to very important Champions League game and El Clasico next Sunday.

[slaman29]

Not an easy game for Barca, but probably it we won't havemany easy games this season. But I think our win is well deserved. Fati still not ready to play 90 minutes, but he already gives a lot for Barca. Finally, debut of Aguero, though, he played just for few minutes
Now we are moving to very important Champions League game and El Clasico next Sunday.

We need to protect that kid with our lives, not to mention upcoming Spanish stars in our B team. I think on the basis of performance even at this recovery stage he gives us something to really shout for, but we just need to remember he is still a kid after all, and already the shirt number is a huge pressure that he shows such maturity to overcome.

Patience, we can beat Kiev, and then Real Madrid coming, but always one step at a time.

[Trofo]

Not an easy game for Barca, but probably it we won't havemany easy games this season. But I think our win is well deserved. Fati still not ready to play 90 minutes, but he already gives a lot for Barca. Finally, debut of Aguero, though, he played just for few minutes
Now we are moving to very important Champions League game and El Clasico next Sunday.

We need to protect that kid with our lives, not to mention upcoming Spanish stars in our B team. I think on the basis of performance even at this recovery stage he gives us something to really shout for, but we just need to remember he is still a kid after all, and already the shirt number is a huge pressure that he shows such maturity to overcome.

Patience, we can beat Kiev, and then Real Madrid coming, but always one step at a time.

Barca has some of the best young talents at the moment: Fati, Pedri and Gavi are all top class and very young.  Barca just needs to get their finances in order and let those kids develop further. This could be a tough year but realistically CL qualification spot at the end of season would be acceptable result.

Next season all those kids will be one year older, more experienced and hopefully even better. Than it is time to start competing for trophies once again.

[slaman29]

Patience, we can beat Kiev, and then Real Madrid coming, but always one step at a time.

Barca has some of the best young talents at the moment: Fati, Pedri and Gavi are all top class and very young.  Barca just needs to get their finances in order and let those kids develop further. This could be a tough year but realistically CL qualification spot at the end of season would be acceptable result.

Next season all those kids will be one year older, more experienced and hopefully even better. Than it is time to start competing for trophies once again.

Yes and as I said before the best Spanish spine at the moment. I know it's not always important to club football that you also have domestic players but it feels very nice to see that the Spain team also has a lot of Barca running in its blood. Which still means we are doing something right. Unlike Real who sometimes play almost with no Spanish player on the field.

4th spot for me is absolutely fine this season. It would even be an achievement considering many things.