Champions League taking over?

[CFCCAN]

Given the results of recent weeks it would seem that no one wants the Premier League, is it because Europe is the bigger prize? As I look around the other European Leagues the same teams are top or near to it which makes most of the big leagues predictable, so do the big teams have a bigger interest in Europe than on their home front when they know that they only have to finish in the top 4. Will there ever be a 'The Champions League' played over a full season consisting of the top 16 - 20 teams in Europe? If so will this be good for football in general?

[forbzy]

I'm not sure the results of recent weeks have anything to do with lack of interest in the Premier League. I would put it more down to the lack of a team that is much better and more consistent than the others. The 'Big 4' have all weakened or failed to strengthen over the last year or so and some of the others have caught up a little. As a result the team that wins the league this season will have lost more games and have fewer points than winners over the previous seasons. I would say that makes the league much more exciting on the whole although I'd rather Chelsea were walking away with it of course :D.

Regarding the Euro league I think it has been discussed and I can definitely see it happening sadly. The G14 clubs like United and Liverpool are so riddled with debt that they constantly need to look for new ways to bring in revenue. Their owners will see a Euro-League with no promotion/relegation as the ultimate marketing dream. However I think that would be a big mistake. You only have to see the attendances in the Champions League group stages to realise that there will be more demand for United vs. City than there would be for United vs. Marseille for example. I think the real fans will fight agains this happening but how much power do they have any more. I expect to see a lot more teams like FC United starting up in the next 10 years as a result. A return to grass roots for those that believe in the old values of the game.

[CFCCAN]

As an 'old guy' I grew up when the game was full of 'values' and 'integrity'..sadly lacking in todays game. I agree with your comments re attendance and 'derby's' do attract a larger number of fans and of course great rivalry. Over a period of time derby's will develop, especially amongst teams in the same country as will others, Barcelona v Chelsea, Utd v Real Madrid. As for the Prem League 16 teams as of this moment 16 teams do not have a realistic chance of winning it unless the usual top four implode.....a chance perhaps but highly unlikely for the foreseeable future unless the 'four' go elsewhere which will void the league of many great players. No doubt should the CL ever take off on a full time basis I wonder if the games will be PPV. Anyway enough of the future....our team needs to get it's act together on a consistent basis.