ToffeeWeb - Season 2007-08

The Mail Bag

Europe here we come?

Well, because Pompey lost on Sunday and we got a point it means, we are almost certain of getting into the Uefa Cup again next season. Even if we lost our remaining two games, Pompey still have to win both of their games and lose to Cardiff in the cup final, to stop us entering the Uefa Cup via the Intertoto cup. Don't believe stories that Pompey haven't entered the Intertoto cup, as we know from past seasons teams can join at the last minute, as Newcastle did a couple of seasons ago.

Villa still have to win both of their remaining games, while we just need a draw and a win, to get 5th. Blackburn and Man City can no longer catch us. As long as we don't get a banana skin in the Intertoto, we should be in Europe next year.
Brian Baker, Aldershot Posted 28/04/2008 at 14:20:59

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Brian Wolf
1 Posted 28/04/2008 at 19:18:51

Let’s look at it like this

Everton vs Arsenal. Arsenal Win
Everton vs Newcastle. Newcastle Win

Aston Villa vs Wigan. Villa Win
Aston Villa vs West Ham. Villa Win.

Confident about getting into Europe now??

Martin Cutler
2 Posted 28/04/2008 at 19:26:11

I was until I read your post!

Although I actually disagree.....bearing in mind we?re both making educate guesses but I think we could tie Arsenal.
Remember Eduardo, whatever his name is, is not playing and he caused all the problems last time plus they have 1 or 2 other top names out injured and they have nothing to play for really.
Newcastle are a threat but at home we could beat them.

Either way, how about being positive instead of Crying Wolf?

Keith Glazzard
3 Posted 28/04/2008 at 19:31:46

Despite everything in the last few weeks, its still in our own hands. Saving the celebration for the final whistle and getting on with defending the lead would have helped a lot on Sunday, but holding the Villa who have become a goal machine during the last few weeks is an upturn for us. Anything at the Arse, and fifth is on.

The Intertoto Cup possibility could be a lifeline if we need one. I?m sure its all very technical, but our victories in Europe this season will have bumped up our rating (coefficient). If we had to qualify through the Intertoto Cup, would that still help us? Perhaps someone will tell us after the next two games.

Jay Harris
4 Posted 28/04/2008 at 19:43:50

Remember the old agage about points in the bag.
Even Martin O'Neill said he would sooner be in EFC?s position. There is no guarantee Villa will win their last 2 games. There?s a lot of pressure on both teams and Arsenal and West Ham will be keen to sign off in front of their fans with a win. Wigan will fight for a point.

All that is certain is that nothing is certain.

Gerry Allen
5 Posted 28/04/2008 at 20:54:21

Miserable, moaning Mr.Wolf.

The point yesterday has guaranteed us European Football. Four more points and fifth place is ours. If Villa finish fifth we will finish either 6th or 7th (only Pompey can catch us). Portsmouth have not entered the Intertoto and so this is now our fallback position. First games for EFC would be the third qualifying round starting late July (drawn against teams from either Denmark, Finland or N.Ireland). Win that and it’s followed by the UEFA Cup preliminary round and then, subject to victory, First Round proper of the UEFA Cup in September. If that isn’t positive for the club then I don’t know what is. Ask Blackburn, West Ham, Newcastle even Villa and they would be ecstatic to be where we are. See you all in the Arctic Circle on July 20th!

Tony Part
6 Posted 28/04/2008 at 21:09:52

I really don't think anyone at Everton really wants Intertoto Cup football. Let's not be mistaken here, the draw yesterday favours Villa better simply because they have on paper easier fixtures left and also the way the two sides are playing. You could say we have forgotten how to win whilst Villa don't know when they are beaten. I expect they will beat Wigan on Saturday leaving us 6th on goal difference going to Arsenal on Sunday, a match in my opinion if Villa do beat Wigan will be a bigger match for Everton than Sunday's because we will then be the team chasing and no longer in the driving seat.

Tony Rice
7 Posted 29/04/2008 at 02:05:22

I think its pretty pathetic to be hoping for Intertoto...when only a few matches ago we were within 3pts of 4th AND we had matches versus the likes of West Ham, Fullham, Brum ... the shite and Villa. We have pissed it away and no wonder the fans are fed up!

Matthew Salem
8 Posted 29/04/2008 at 05:54:32

There is way too much negativity about our team on this thread. Yes, we have pissed a huge lead away, and it pisses me off in ways I can?t describe, but that has happened to other teams, too. I would not want us to have to go through the Intertoto, but it still is better than nothing.

Gerry Allen, I did not realize that only 2 teams stood between the English Intertoto entrant and a place in the Uefa Cup first round. That is very encouraging. You seem to be well informed on this. Could you direct me to a link or tell me where you got that information? I did not find it on the Intertoto site. Cheers mate. COYB

Adam Carey
9 Posted 29/04/2008 at 09:55:41

Sorry to state the obvious but by virtue of the remaining opponents for us and Villa it is looking a tough run in.
Villa are on form at the moment and Wigan and West Ham are all but on holiday, (for Wigan to go down they need to lose both games and everyone below win!).
As much as I love my team we ain’t gonna get nothing at Arsenal, so need to win against Newcastle, (another team hitting form), and hope Villa slip up.
If Villa win their last two, and we manage one win they get 5th on goal difference.
We’ve gotta hope Heskey has another good game in him this year!!

Gerry Allen
10 Posted 29/04/2008 at 13:00:54

Matthew - UEFA.com has the link from the homepage straight to the draw for the Intertoto Cup.