When we left the journey last time we had made a great start to the league but the performances had started to drop off with the busier schedule during September.
We remained unbeaten in the first two Champions League group games and had progressed in the League Cup.
Lets pick up where we left off.
October 2027
Match 8 - Norwich (H) 1-1
For the second time after playing midweek in Europe we struggle in the league.
We fell behind early and only a Henrique penalty in the 70th minute earned us a point.
Match 9 - Tottenham (A) 0-2
A trip to Tottenham is always a tough one but we made it even harder for ourselves after being reduced to 10 men in the first half. Rhys Williams with a horrible challenge.
Champions League Group Stage - Match Day 3 - Ajax (H) 3-0
Another stunning display as we put in a top class performance to see off Ajax at Adams Park. Two goals from Clarke and one from Williams sealed another 3 points.
7 points from three Champions League games is more than we could have dreamed of and we have a real shot a qualifying.
Match 10 - Man United (H) 2-2
In a match we lead twice its was disappointing not to take all three points, but Man United were clinical with there few opportunities.
Henrique and Almada with our goals as we draw again after our adventures in Europe.
EFL Cup Fourth Round - Burnley(A) 1-1 (Burnley win4-2 on Pens)
Wholesale changes were made after playing our third game in 7 days.
Sadly this massively upset our rhythm and we struggled against a full strength Burnley side. We fell behind early in the second half but were dragged back on level terms though a Bigongiari penalty. Extra time beaconed ( Not what you want with a schedule like ours)
There was little to no action in Extra time as penalties loomed. Sadly we bowed out as Clarke and Bigongiari missed their spot kicks.
Match 11 - Liverpool (A) 2-1
Back to the Premier League with all of the players given an extended break during the week to recover and prepare for the difficult trip to Anfield.
We got off to the perfect start as Bigongiari put us ahead inside 20 minutes and we made it through to half time unscathed.
Liverpool came out swinging in the second half and got the equaliser they deserved in the 54th minute.
We sat back looking for any opportunity to break on the counter attack and after soaking up so much pressure it was a wondergoal from Almada that won us the game, curling in from 35 yards. Or first league win in 7.
A mixture of results as we see the fixtures piling up. This may continue to be an issue until the group stages of the Champions league are over. Gutted about the League Cup as we have came so close to the final the last two seasons.
November 2027
Champions League Group Stage - Match Day 4 - Ajax (A) 0-0
In a tough game in Amsterdam we couldn't break down a stubborn Ajax side, even when they were down to 10 men early in the 1st half.
It shows our progression to be disappointed with a point and a clean sheet away from home in the Champions League 4 games into our debut season.
One more point closer to qualification.
Match 12 - Chelsea (H) 3-2
After a tough away fixture mid week the last thing we needed was to face a team that has proven too good for us the last few seasons.
We started badly by conceding an early penalty which was converted. Almada dragged us back into it in the 37th minute before Henrique put us ahead just before half time.
We dug in but conceded in the 85th minute. I was settling for a point when up steps the man Henrique to smash home in the 87th minute. A rare win against the boys from West London.
Match 13 - Brighton (A) 2-1
We make it back to back wins in the league for the first time in months as a Henrique brace sees us take all three points. Very much needed after the mixed bag of results recently.
Champions League Group Stage - Match Day 5 - Lazio (H) 2-0
With qualification on the line it was a cagey affair during the first 20 minutes. Just before half time we burst into life and that man Henrique again was there to put us 1-0 up.
Confidence was flowing and Jack Clarke made it 2-0 just after half time to seal another historical win for the club.
Match 14 - Sheffield United (H) 0-1
I can just about excuse this defeat as we made changes after a huge week for the club. Sadly these changes didn't pay off and we missed a hat full of chances.
Match 15 - Derby County (A) 1-2
This was an even worse performance as we had some of our big hitters back. Henrique grabbed himself another goal either side of an early Derby goal and a late winner. Hairdryer treatment incoming.
We had a fantastic start to the month in Europe and in the league. Qualifying from the group in the Champions League is a huge achievement. Those two games at the end are frustrating but are purely due to the lack in depth.
December 2027
Match 16 - Leicester (H) 1-0
A much needed win as an early Marcelo Henrique pounced early to seal all three points.
Amazing what we can do with some rest between games.
Champions League Group Stage - Match Day 6 - Real Sociedad (A) 1-2
With qualification already secured this was a straight shootout for 1st place in the group and hopefully avoid some trickier ties.
We had to win and Sociedad needed a point or better. Not going to lie, i went for it and sadly we fell short as two first half goals either side of a Henrique strike sealed 3 points and top spot for Sociedad.
Match 17 - Arsenal (H) 0-1
Another away game in Europe followed by a league game against a formidable opponent.
Unlike the Chelsea game were were unable to make any serious inroads and lost to second half strike.
Match 18 - Bournemouth (A) 1-0
A full weeks rest reaped the rewards as we left the south coast with all three points thanks again to that man Henrique.
Its gone slightly unnoticed as he grabs his 7th league goal in 7 games.
Match 19 - Man City (A) 1-1
Nothing like a 2 day turn around in between games however we hit the ground running with Jack Clarke breaking the offside trap and scoring in the 16th minute.
We almost made it to half time in front but we conceded a soft penalty in added on time to go in level.
We held out for a credible draw.
Two good wins a very good point in Manchester and a couple of expected defeats. Not a bad busy festive period at all.
With all the excitement around the Champions League our league form has been slightly patchy. But we sit 6th in a tight top 9.
The Draw for the Champions League knock out stages were drawn and as we finish second we were in for a tough draw no matter what happened.
Ouch. What a draw. Little old Wycombe will be welcoming the might of Barcelona to Adams Park. What an occasion that will be!
We also received out Youth Intake Preview.
Not a fantastic preview but lets hope there is a diamond in the rough.
Next episode we will cover the January Transfer window, as well as the FA Cup 3rd Round and the big double header against Barcelona!
Cheers for reading and I will catch you all soon.
Panda
If you have enjoyed this episode and want to fully catch up with our Journey so far you can start way back at the beginning here -
We also recently had our turn in a joint save with other FM creators called "The Far East Express. Please check out our three episodes with the link below. One hell of a journey going on in that save.
We also have an fascinating International save going as we attempt to take Jamaica to Gold Cup and World Cup glory after acquiring some new recruits who have been ignored repeatedly by England