Champions League 25/26

[Tyler]

That can definitely win them the EPL because they don't play very good football, but the UCL? I don't see it.

They literally made a semi final last year, with a much worse squad, and played your boys PSG twice and had their chances, especially in Paris.

 

[Maradona37]

Think Saka, Rice and Odegaard are all really good players but a bit below the true world-class players.

Maybe being pedantic, but there's clearly some better right wingers than Saka, better AMs than Odegaard, and better midfielders than Rice.

But as Monte says, it doesn't matter, because those are Arsena's best players in front of the defence, and they can hang with better players than them.

I'd be more worried about the other players in their midfield and attack.

 

[Maradona37]

Brother, you don't even have to ask me. Appeal to the rest of the forum, none of those guys are starting for PSG, Bayern, Barca, Madrid, etc.

Generally agree, but I think Rice would start for Barca if Pedri or De Jong is out. He's better than casado and Gavi and whoever else, and has a better body of work.

Saka would be backup to Yamal, at least if Lamine has his head on right.

Odegaard is better than fermin for me. Or was before he lost form.

I don't really rate Barca's squad much either, tbh.

 

[Jair Ventura]

They literally made a semi final last year, with a much worse squad, and played your boys PSG twice and had their chances, especially in Paris.

Inter made the final last season and you dismissed them. And they have a much stronger European record then Arsenal yesterday or today.

PSG won both legs, but that's beside the point. Arsenal can win the EPL by working hard, running a lot, parking the bus and playing for set pieces. But the UCL, against teams that are disciplined AND play good football?

 

[Tyler]

Brother, you don't even have to ask me. Appeal to the rest of the forum, none of those guys are starting for PSG, Bayern, Barca, Madrid, etc.

Rice would walk into Bayern's midfield over someone like Goretzka 😂

 

[Jair Ventura]

Rice would walk into Bayern's midfield over someone like Goretzka 😂

Goretzka isn't an undisputed starter for Bayern

 

[Maradona37]

As Monte implies, it doesn't really matter matching players up in each position, because football isn't about that.

Some teams are better than the sum of their parts, some are worse. Some teams are inferior in talent but match up very well tactically against more talented teams.

Some teams have worse players but better coaches.

It's all about how cohesive the team is, not just the quality of the players.

I'd say Arsenal have some very good players, especially defensively and Arteta - while I think he's an average coach - does know how to make them solid. Whether that's enough to win a CL or PL (given their propensity for bottling) who knows. I guess we will find out but I'd be surprised if they win either.

 

[Tyler]

Goretzka doesn't start for Bayern

Are you saying Pavlovic starts ahead of Rice then?

 

[Jair Ventura]

Are you saying Pavlovic starts ahead of Rice then?

Obviously

 

[Tyler]

Obviously

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

 

[Jair Ventura]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

English supporters

 

[Tyler]

English supporters.

I'm not English.

But you are deluded. Pavlovic 😂

 

[JamDav1982]

Bayerns best two players were made in England.

Both would be made out to be over rated if not there and still in EPL.

 

[Jair Ventura]

I'm not English.

But you are deluded. Pavlovic 😂

You follow English football.

A year ago Rice was better than Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Fabian

 

[Tyler]

You follow English football.

A year ago Rice was better than Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Fabian

Hes not better than them. But all of them are miles better than Pavlovic, who is a good prospect, but Christ, he's still not even a regular for either his club or country yet.