Quote: Austin 3:16 "Don't know if this is right with the way the play offs now work but why would you risk picking you closest rival when you could pick, say 8th if the 8th placed team made it, and have a better chance of making the final and beating your closest rival in a one off game? [sizeSurely from a finacial point of view[/size its better to lose at OT than the game before. And if thats how it works ill be amazed if the team with the choice picks anybody than the lowest placed team at that time.'"
Quote: Austin 3:16 "Don't think you'd get many Saints fans agreeing with that after the last 2 seasons events.
If you can knock out what is 'perceived' to be your strongest challenger for a title before the final then that is the surely the best option?
Recent results would seem to back up the perception that Saints stand a much better chance of beating us at home rather than at OLd Trafford.
If the shoe was on the other foot and we'd finished top the last 4 seasons but got beat twice on the trot by Saints in the GF having beaten them at home in the Qualifying final both times then if I had the choice I'd rather try and knoch that team out earlier with home advantage'"
That's the point i'm trying to make, not getting rid of your closest competitor, which i'm sure is what the money men will be looking. Also you have to be at OT for a chance of winnig the big one which again must be more of a risk if you play a higher placed team. What happened last year and the year before does not mean anything in this years play offs.