Premier League Prediction Thread (EPL)

[TheGreatPython]

I still don't get all of these "companies" making people live with less when they could have literally paid all of this easily if they simply kept all the profits. Hell they could sell ownership a bit (like very very tiny) and still manage to pay everyone.

Now, it is said that Arsenal players are agreeing on a 12.5% cut for example, I get that players care about their health right now and nobody really thinks about the few hundred thousand pounds they are going to miss out on since they have millions of pounds but it is still sad that all of this trouble comes out of employees (even if they are million dollar worth) instead of employers, same goes for any business out there who doesn't pay their workers right now, either fires them or sends them on unpaid leave so forth, it is really sad sight to see.

[Captain Corporate]

 I think it is more about being able to continue this rather than just profits. If the football world stops even for a second, they are losing millions of dollars worth of revenue and their whole system depends on that revenue, without it they can't continue, hell they are having hard time as it is without cash injections anyway so if they stop at any moment they are basically done. Look at City for example, they literally had to break the financial fair play rules just to be this good, if a team has to break the rules to continue being good, think how horrible they will become when there are no games at all.

 So yeah it is sad that players will basically be forced to play in order to keep getting money, however at the same time if we just tell the owners and the office just keep the games away for a little more while until this is any better, we might be looking at more than just players getting few millions less, we are talking about potentially having hundreds of millions of dollars gone from the industry all of a sudden.

[logfiles]

Guys, I think it's happening:  All English Football League games to resume behind closed doors and broadcast on TV or online

No official date yet but I think football action will resume in [the last few days of] May and probably early June. Number of new confirmed coronavirus cases is yet to start a downward movement in the UK, but hopefully it'll start going down this month or next month.

The problem with the current world order is money. They seem to care less and less about a few lives lost so long as they generate money. Just like some members here, i don't even see these leagues resuming behind closed doors any time soon. May or June is a very short time frame.

No vaccine has been approved yet, the virus has not even shown signs of slowing down and this Football Associations think that the horizon is near?

They are mistaken. Heck look what happened to China Yesterday... New number of deaths jumped to 1290 in 24 hours just when they thought they had started to manage the situation and even loosened the lockdown.

[DeathAngel]

I think China are definitely lying about their death numbers, they’re just trying to make it look more realistic which it doesn’t. How could they possibly have so few deaths, it’s ridiculous.

Any way, to get back on topic it’s good that the PL clubs & officials agreed the season will still be finished.

[BitcoinGirl.Club]

I think China are definitely lying about their death numbers, they’re just trying to make it look more realistic which it doesn’t. How could they possibly have so few deaths, it’s ridiculous.

It's hard to get the news out from China and why would they give wrong information? It seems they got things in control.

Any way, to get back on topic it’s good that the PL clubs & officials agreed the season will still be finished.

Well I moved to Poker lately 😜
Let's hope football comes back. We can not wait to get the season title. It's just getting longer and longer.

[Juggy777]

Guys, I think it's happening:  All English Football League games to resume behind closed doors and broadcast on TV or online

No official date yet but I think football action will resume in [the last few days of] May and probably early June. Number of new confirmed coronavirus cases is yet to start a downward movement in the UK, but hopefully it'll start going down this month or next month.

The problem with the current world order is money. They seem to care less and less about a few lives lost so long as they generate money. Just like some members here, i don't even see these leagues resuming behind closed doors any time soon. May or June is a very short time frame.

No vaccine has been approved yet, the virus has not even shown signs of slowing down and this Football Associations think that the horizon is near?

They are mistaken. Heck look what happened to China Yesterday... New number of deaths jumped to 1290 in 24 hours just when they thought they had started to manage the situation and even loosened the lockdown.

I think China are definitely lying about their death numbers, they’re just trying to make it look more realistic which it doesn’t. How could they possibly have so few deaths, it’s ridiculous.

Any way, to get back on topic it’s good that the PL clubs & officials agreed the season will still be finished.

@tomahawk9 indeed they’re planning to resume the league by June 8, and my worst fears are coming true that it’ll be played behind closed doors which will make the league very boring to watch. @logfiles I’ll second that as the league should not have resumed until July at least, and I’m not even sure how they plan to keep the support staff and the players safe during these matches. @DeathAngel either you don’t know about China’s politics or you really believe in them a lot either way they’re not to be trusted, and they’re definitely lying about the number of people who have died due to coronavirus in their country.

Sources:

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11974992/premier-league-unlikely-to-restart-before-june-8-with-aim-to-complete-season-in-five-week-period

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-twitter-coronavirus-china-death-toll-obama-cuomo-a9471346.html

[Harkorede]

@DeathAngel either you don’t know about China’s politics or you really believe in them a lot either way they’re not to be trusted, and they’re definitely lying about the number of people who have died due to coronavirus in their country.

Sources:

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11974992/premier-league-unlikely-to-restart-before-june-8-with-aim-to-complete-season-in-five-week-period

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-twitter-coronavirus-china-death-toll-obama-cuomo-a9471346.html

I wouldn't trust China and I've always doubted their numbers after seeing what happened in Italy, but the Trump is also not trustworthy and would say almost anything to save face of his administration and AFAICT, the US brought these numbers upon themselves due to ignorance.

Back to the EPL, there are definitely planing to resume the league, but It's not going to happen anytime soon with these numbers, else there will serious consequences from the media and other human affairs agencies.

[Pmalek]

Any way, to get back on topic it’s good that the PL clubs & officials agreed the season will still be finished.

It really should. There is still time.
Liverpool would be incredibly unfortunate if they don't end up being awarded the Premier League title in case it doesn't resume for some reason.

[DeathAngel]

Any way, to get back on topic it’s good that the PL clubs & officials agreed the season will still be finished.

It really should. There is still time.
Liverpool would be incredibly unfortunate if they don't end up being awarded the Premier League title in case it doesn't resume for some reason.

I think I read somewhere that the UEFA chief said he can’t envisage a scenario where Liverpool won’t be crowned champions. Even if they void the season they’ll be champions like Scotland & Belgium are doing. Possibly nobody will be relegated & West Brom & Leeds will be promoted so we’d have 22 teams in next seasons PL & 5 will be relegated next season instead of 3.

[Globb0]

When is the Premier League likely to resume?

After a meeting between the clubs on April 17, it was announced that the Premier League ‘will only restart when medical guidance allows’.

The situation is clearly evolving day-by-day and the league did not offer a deadline by which play must resume.

The Premier League remain determined to complete the current season and avoid it being written off completely.


Statement

“We are acutely aware of the distress COVID-19 is causing and our thoughts are with all those directly affected by the pandemic.

“In common with other businesses and industries, the Premier League and our clubs are working through complex planning scenarios. We are actively engaging with stakeholders, including broadcast partners, and our aim is to ensure we are in a position to resume playing when it is safe to do so and with the full support of the Government.

“The health and well-being of players, coaches, managers, club staff and supporters are our priority and the league will only restart when medical guidance allows.

“Today’s shareholders’ meeting provided an opportunity to discuss possible scheduling models. It remains our objective to complete the 2019-20 season but at this stage all dates are tentative while the impact of COVID-19 develops.

“In response to the pandemic, the Premier League, our clubs and players have provided vital support for communities and the NHS and will continue to do so after matches recommence.”

[casperBGD]

Any way, to get back on topic it’s good that the PL clubs & officials agreed the season will still be finished.

It really should. There is still time.
Liverpool would be incredibly unfortunate if they don't end up being awarded the Premier League title in case it doesn't resume for some reason.

I think I read somewhere that the UEFA chief said he can’t envisage a scenario where Liverpool won’t be crowned champions. Even if they void the season they’ll be champions like Scotland & Belgium are doing. Possibly nobody will be relegated & West Brom & Leeds will be promoted so we’d have 22 teams in next seasons PL & 5 will be relegated next season instead of 3.

it will be a shame for LFC if they do not receive promotion, like that this is a regular season, they were lacking few points to be Champions many rounds before end, and would certainly end up first, if there were no virus, but it is money involved, and maybe PL will cancel the season, although i do not believe in this scenario, maybe they will play matches without audience and finish the season?

[Globb0]

Any way, to get back on topic it’s good that the PL clubs & officials agreed the season will still be finished.

It really should. There is still time.
Liverpool would be incredibly unfortunate if they don't end up being awarded the Premier League title in case it doesn't resume for some reason.

I think I read somewhere that the UEFA chief said he can’t envisage a scenario where Liverpool won’t be crowned champions. Even if they void the season they’ll be champions like Scotland & Belgium are doing. Possibly nobody will be relegated & West Brom & Leeds will be promoted so we’d have 22 teams in next seasons PL & 5 will be relegated next season instead of 3.

it will be a shame for LFC if they do not receive promotion, like that this is a regular season, they were lacking few points to be Champions many rounds before end, and would certainly end up first, if there were no virus, but it is money involved, and maybe PL will cancel the season, although i do not believe in this scenario, maybe they will play matches without audience and finish the season?

They can do something like a tournament to hurry a competition like that. (I mean get loads of teams together and play multiple games)

[arallmuus]

When is the Premier League likely to resume?

After a meeting between the clubs on April 17, it was announced that the Premier League ‘will only restart when medical guidance allows’.

The situation is clearly evolving day-by-day and the league did not offer a deadline by which play must resume.

The Premier League remain determined to complete the current season and avoid it being written off completely.


Statement

“We are acutely aware of the distress COVID-19 is causing and our thoughts are with all those directly affected by the pandemic.

“In common with other businesses and industries, the Premier League and our clubs are working through complex planning scenarios. We are actively engaging with stakeholders, including broadcast partners, and our aim is to ensure we are in a position to resume playing when it is safe to do so and with the full support of the Government.

“The health and well-being of players, coaches, managers, club staff and supporters are our priority and the league will only restart when medical guidance allows.

“Today’s shareholders’ meeting provided an opportunity to discuss possible scheduling models. It remains our objective to complete the 2019-20 season but at this stage all dates are tentative while the impact of COVID-19 develops.

“In response to the pandemic, the Premier League, our clubs and players have provided vital support for communities and the NHS and will continue to do so after matches recommence.”

This pandemic is going to get worse by now if people doesnt stop going out . As of now there are still alot of people that doesnt take this seriously. Also if there is no vaccine for this then I wont expect things to end quickly

[hilariousetc]

I think China are definitely lying about their death numbers, they’re just trying to make it look more realistic which it doesn’t. How could they possibly have so few deaths, it’s ridiculous.

Any way, to get back on topic it’s good that the PL clubs & officials agreed the season will still be finished.

This is one of those things where you'll likely never get the truth. China is very secretive and the US will like to shift blame and dish out propaganda to make them look bad. With China being China it's easy to do and very hard for them to prove otherwise because nobody really trusts them and they tend to try silence anyone who speaks out which is always becomes another tool in the West's arsenal to cast doubt on them. Personally I don't trust either side.

I think China are definitely lying about their death numbers, they’re just trying to make it look more realistic which it doesn’t. How could they possibly have so few deaths, it’s ridiculous.

It's hard to get the news out from China and why would they give wrong information? It seems they got things in control.

Well that's probably what they want you to believe.

Any way, to get back on topic it’s good that the PL clubs & officials agreed the season will still be finished.

Well I moved to Poker lately 😜
Let's hope football comes back. We can not wait to get the season title. It's just getting longer and longer.

Did they actually agree that though? I'm sure most want the season to be completed but there's so many factors involved. The PL will push for it to be finished asap but there's firstly safety and then the contractual obligations. If the season isn't finished with a certain time frame they're potentially going to have to refund over a billion in TV rights. Looks like they're confident they'll be able to work something out though:

The Premier League are also confident that they can come to an agreement with domestic rights holders Sky Sports and BT Sport that will avoid them demanding rebates on the £414m of matches that are still due to be screened this season.

Both broadcasters have much to lose if the Premier League suffers long-term financial problems, whilst they are also conscious that aggressively demanding refunds could drive clubs towards streaming giants Netflix and Amazon, who are both benefitting from the shutdown and preparing to launch bids for the next TV rights package from 2022 to 2025.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-8208385/Skys-owners-stand-Premier-League-boost-414m-TV-rebate-boost.html

Which isn't surprising seeing as how Sky Sports would likely be ruined without the PL rights. It would make things interesting though if Sky did fall out with the PL or lost the rights. Personally I'd like to see football go the digital/streaming route sooner rather than later.

[CryptopreneurBrainboss]

I think China are definitely lying about their death numbers, they’re just trying to make it look more realistic which it doesn’t. How could they possibly have so few deaths, it’s ridiculous.

Obviously what else do we expect when every country is trying to lie in order not to create panic thinking they're doing their citizens more good than harm. My concern when it comes to the statistics of this virus is the low figure coming from the underdeveloped countries mostly in Africa. It surprises me that the developed countries are finding it difficult to contain the spread of the virus yet the underdeveloped countries are puting out with low numbers figure like they got everything under control which obviously that's not the case.

Any way, to get back on topic it’s good that the PL clubs & officials agreed the season will still be finished.

I think this is the best news I have heard all week, atleast my week can return to its usual routine and boredom will be minimized but I hope it won't be played in close doors.

[coinfinger]

From what we are reading it looks like they are going to continue anyway, so all of this "Liverpool should be crowned champions even if they do not finish the season" stuff are just wishful thinking from us. I personally still think that they should cancel it just for the safety of everyone, but if they do not that means while we are telling everyone to stay at home and have as little contact with each other as it gets, the players will be out there playing very very close contact sport that would basically be reverse of what everyone has been saying to protect themselves.

These million dollar worth of companies should lead by example and not start back up, starting the league when everyone is told to stay at home would be counter productive if you ask me.

[DeathAngel]

From what we are reading it looks like they are going to continue anyway, so all of this "Liverpool should be crowned champions even if they do not finish the season" stuff are just wishful thinking from us. I personally still think that they should cancel it just for the safety of everyone, but if they do not that means while we are telling everyone to stay at home and have as little contact with each other as it gets, the players will be out there playing very very close contact sport that would basically be reverse of what everyone has been saying to protect themselves.

These million dollar worth of companies should lead by example and not start back up, starting the league when everyone is told to stay at home would be counter productive if you ask me.

If the season is to start again I think it would be in June & July when I presume the lockdown will be over or at least eased up a lot. I don’t think the restrictions we’re currently under will be here in June & July.

[logfiles]

I think I read somewhere that the UEFA chief said he can’t envisage a scenario where Liverpool won’t be crowned champions. Even if they void the season they’ll be champions like Scotland & Belgium are doing. Possibly nobody will be relegated & West Brom & Leeds will be promoted so we’d have 22 teams in next seasons PL & 5 will be relegated next season instead of 3.

How about Champion's League, how will they determine the teams that are to play?
As far as i know, not all leagues are in a similar position like EPL where at least everyone can agree that Liverpool deserved it. For Example La Liga, the race was still too tight where their president even said that they don't plan on just crowning anybody based on the matches that have been played so far.

This means if things got worse, the La Liga season could probably be considered null and void and this may happen to other leagues too across Europe which will consequently affect the decision-making in the EPL.

[Coyster]

It surprises me that the developed countries are finding it difficult to contain the spread of the virus yet the underdeveloped countries are puting out with low numbers figure like they got everything under control which obviously that's not the case.

I'm very sure the reason for this is that in those underdeveloped countries, testing facilities are not available/sufficient, they cannot match the number of tests run per day in the more civilized countries in Europe, so when you're not testing citizens, the number will look unrealistically small as it is now. I'm sure if the number of tests run in America or Italy is done in one of this underdeveloped countries, they'll find out how much of a problem they have in hand, but blindly do not know.

If the season is to start again I think it would be in June & July when I presume the lockdown will be over or at least eased up a lot. I don’t think the restrictions we’re currently under will be here in June & July.

Is it even possible for the lockdown to be over in June or July, I do not think that's possible, it could be eased down to a "safe" extent to restart the economy a little bit, but extreme caution would be put in place, restarting the league would sadly be going against extreme caution.

[Avirunes]

How about Champion's League, how will they determine the teams that are to play?
As far as i know, not all leagues are in a similar position like EPL where at least everyone can agree that Liverpool deserved it. For Example La Liga, the race was still too tight where their president even said that they don't plan on just crowning anybody based on the matches that have been played so far.

This means if things got worse, the La Liga season could probably be considered null and void and this may happen to other leagues too across Europe which will consequently affect the decision-making in the EPL.

Champions League was the biggest question out of all but the news just rolled out recently with UEFA plans to continue and hold it in August. However nothing is set for real and we still are looking for an official response. (source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8233275/UEFA-set-reveal-plans-play-Champions-League-games-three-days-August-7-week.html)

I like the plan: remaining legs on 7th and 8th , semis 18-19, 21-22 and final on 27th. Feel like there should be a little more gap between semis leg.