Sportsbet.io's English Premier League Football Pool Discussion Thread

[LFC_Bitcoin]

How’s everybody doing by the way?

I miss you guys & our chats about the weekend fixtures & then who got what points in the pool. Life fucking sucks atm without the football. It’s only been a couple of weeks but it feels like months.

I pray the season starts in a month or two for a number of reasons as you will guess.

If you’re desperate for football feast your eyes on these bad boys being played tomorrow, a true feast of football from the Belarus PL




If anybody likes to gamble & is getting withdrawal -





Any way, I seriously hope you’re all OK physically/healthy & this shitty virus isn’t affecting any of you too badly financially.

I raise a glass to PL football

 

[1715000563]

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[hilariousetc]

You think having it in a country that was the epicentre of this disease is a good idea? And a disease that is likely still ravaging their country more than it is anywhere else but China are keeping the actual numbers of deaths a secret. Having it in another country really isn't feasible. Transporting entire squads and coaching staff and match officials is going to cause more harm than good and possibly just spread the disease if anything. If the matches are to be played they need to be done in the UK. Just do them behind closed doors if they have to and get them done asap.

Nope, I actually said quite the opposite - I wouldn't like it to be held in China. In my opinion it would really be bizarre and 'behind closed doors' option looks way better in that case.

What I said was that I was surprised that the club owners rejected it so fast because - you know - money.

Apologies. I misread you.

@Harko  70%, huh? Barcelona and Atletico madrid players accepted a 70% pay cut....I wonder what's so special about that number? 

Btw, you guys saw this? http://www.espnfc.com/juventus/story/4081765/juventus-would-not-accept-winning-serie-a-title-due-to-coronavirus-fa-chief

c'mon Liverpool, it's your turn now

The PL has asked players to take a 30% cut: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/11321863/premier-league-return-date-wages-coronavirus/

Here's the options for the Premier League right now:



The best thing is to just pause the season and play it as soon as they can and I'm sure that's what most fans and clubs want, but then there's the small issue of the PL owing over a billion pounds in refunds to TV companies from lost revenues and that'll be what they're sweating over.

Btw, you guys saw this? http://www.espnfc.com/juventus/story/4081765/juventus-would-not-accept-winning-serie-a-title-due-to-coronavirus-fa-chief

c'mon Liverpool, it's your turn now

I am looking at the point table of Serie A and I see Juventus has 63 points and Lazio has 62 points out of 26 matches for both. It's very hard to find who would have highest point between these two if the league would continue. A few bad weeks from both teams could give Inter Milan to take the first place who now have 54.

But in the Premier league, Liverpool has 82 points and the gap from the 2nd place is 25. Two more wins could officially give Liverpool the title so I do not see the comparison with Juventus weights any argument here LOL. Liverpool is the winning team in this season without any 2nd thought.

I don't think anyone would complain about giving Liverpool the title as it stands, but it's the EURO places along with relegation battle teams and then of course the promotions from the Championship which is going to be where it becomes unfair. Leeds and West Brom have already stated they'd probably take legal action if the season was voided. I know the PL is going to lose a lot of money in refunds for non-televised games but the best they should do is just pause the season and try work out a deal with the TV companies. They could offer them huge discounts on previous rights if they can't really afford to dish out 1 billion right now.

[DeathAngel]

@hilariousetc

I think we’ll end up doing ‘Option 3’ from your list, obviously providing the virus spreading slows rapidly.
I just don’t think the season will get cancelled, there’s just too much riding on it.

[hilariousetc]

@hilariousetc

I think we’ll end up doing ‘Option 3’ from your list, obviously providing the virus spreading slows rapidly.

Well that obviously would be the preferred option for everyone but I'm not sure how realistic it is, especially anytime soon. Gatherings of more than two people are essentially banned right now if they're not members or your household so even if they did go ahead people will complain about that (especially non-football fans) if it still applies to everyone else. It will be one rule for PL players and another for everyone else. Maybe they can make exceptions if all the players are tested but it's not just 28 players on a pitch. There's the officials and the coaching staff and all the subs and there's still going to be other people behind the scenes working with the ground and the TV crews so you're probably talking at least 100 people per match so I just think it's kinda going to be unmanageable or at least unsafe unless anything changed anytime soon regarding the virus but there's no end in sight right now. 

[LTU_btc]

How’s everybody doing by the way?

I miss you guys & our chats about the weekend fixtures & then who got what points in the pool. Life fucking sucks atm without the football. It’s only been a couple of weeks but it feels like months.

I pray the season starts in a month or two for a number of reasons as you will guess.

If you’re desperate for football feast your eyes on these bad boys being played tomorrow, a true feast of football from the Belarus PL

https://i.ibb.co/CsFxQvP/2-CD259-F9-5-C68-4388-9-A77-3228-AD21-A430.png


If anybody likes to gamble & is getting withdrawal -



https://i.ibb.co/qN4c3wJ/BF3-F4-F33-BEE4-4-E28-8333-8-A15157-A7-BAB.jpg

Any way, I seriously hope you’re all OK physically/healthy & this shitty virus isn’t affecting any of you too badly financially.

I raise a glass to PL football

 

Maybe it sounds strange or stupid, but I actually watch Belarus PL now. And even watched few games before it was cool . Level of football is very low here, but I'm not shocked about, it's similar like in my country (Lithuania). And I can see many players who are well known for me, because they've played in my country previously.
But probably it's last round before pause. Virus spread fast in Belarus too, most fans boycott games, some players ask to stop league ASAP.
It seems that we won't see any top level football soon and it really sucks. Now most of time I just watch dome classic historical matches .

[tokeweed]

@hilariousetc

I think we’ll end up doing ‘Option 3’ from your list, obviously providing the virus spreading slows rapidly.
I just don’t think the season will get cancelled, there’s just too much riding on it.

Yup but combined with option 5.  They have to take the games somewhere safe...  And sunny.  A lot of players are prolly bordering to depression right now.  Lol.  Nothing like a little sunshine to get the mood up.

[hilariousetc]

Dang, Pep Guardiola's mother has apparently died of corona:

THE CORONAVIRUS continues to ravage the world of sport and further tragedy has struck as Pep Guardiola's mum has passed away after contracting the illness.

Dolors Sala Carrio died earlier today aged 82 in Barcelona.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/11129627/coronavirus-live-sport-guardiola-mum-the-open/

She was 82 though. I'm starting to wonder how many deaths will be chalked up to the virus even though just old age or a myriad of other health conditions could be the main culprit.

This was the statement from the Premier League about the fate of the season:

Season restart

It was acknowledged that the Premier League will not resume at the beginning of May – and that the 2019/20 season will only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so.

The restart date is under constant review with all stakeholders, as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic develops and we work together through this very challenging time.

The Premier League is working closely with the whole of professional football in this country, as well as with the Government, public agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the game achieves a collaborative solution.

https://www.premierleague.com/news/1651836

It doesn't seem to say anything about playing matches behind closed doors so I'm sure it's just a matter of waiting to get the go-ahead from the government really but that will probably only happen once this thing starts to blow over most likely.

[panjul07]

@hilariousetc

I think we’ll end up doing ‘Option 3’ from your list, obviously providing the virus spreading slows rapidly.
I just don’t think the season will get cancelled, there’s just too much riding on it.

Yup but combined with option 5.  They have to take the games somewhere safe...  And sunny.  A lot of players are prolly bordering to depression right now.  Lol.  Nothing like a little sunshine to get the mood up.

Is it even possible to continue the league in a safe place like the option 5 (Qatar). Will Qatar welcome for foreigners (EPL players and staffs) to come in while we all know that the virus may spread everywhere?

[hilariousetc]

@hilariousetc

I think we’ll end up doing ‘Option 3’ from your list, obviously providing the virus spreading slows rapidly.
I just don’t think the season will get cancelled, there’s just too much riding on it.

Yup but combined with option 5.  They have to take the games somewhere safe...  And sunny.  A lot of players are prolly bordering to depression right now.  Lol.  Nothing like a little sunshine to get the mood up.

Is it even possible to continue the league in a safe place like the option 5 (Qatar). Will Qatar welcome for foreigners (EPL players and staffs) to come in while we all know that the virus may spread everywhere?

Having it in another country just doesn't seem feasible to me. It would be a logistical nightmare for a start. It would be like organising a world cup within months. I doubt players and coaching staff etc will want to be away from their families for so long whilst they finish the season as well. Isn't it like going to be like peak heat season in Qatar right now also? That's why the tournament there is going to be in late November to December. If the PL is going to happen it's almost certainly going to have to be in the UK and that's where it should be held given it's the English Premier League after all. I think we're just going to have to wait till this pandemic thing blows over or dies down and hope that's going to be sooner rather than later.

[buwaytress]

Hey guys, yeah I miss you too. And yeah, Option 3 seems the right balance, still very risky for the 100 or so people involved, but probably a risk many of them would prefer to take (plus some of them will actually be immune to it after having recovered). I'm willing to wait much longer just to see it play out, one way or other, IN England!

Sad news about Pep's mom, and not to sound disrespectful or dismissive of the pandemic or anything, but my country of residence now actually gets a flu outbreak almost every winter, and even dispenses a modified flu vaccine every year. But the 2018/19 casualty list was really high: 400k infections and 4000 deaths, 2,900 they said could have been prevented with the vaccine. But also, as you point out, the casualty list was steeply in majority of those in advanced age. And it could be also a lot of other deaths chalked off to old age that missed that cut. Not an exact science in any case...

[tokeweed]

^  Yeah that sucks.  That could put him on another sabbatical again and think things thru.  Sorry Juve fans.  Lolol.

And seriously?  I didn't think the common flu could be so deadly.

[DeathAngel]

.....not to sound disrespectful or dismissive of the pandemic or anything, but my country of residence now actually gets a flu outbreak almost every winter, and even dispenses a modified flu vaccine every year. But the 2018/19 casualty list was really high: 400k infections and 4000 deaths, 2,900 they said could have been prevented with the vaccine. But also, as you point out, the casualty list was steeply in majority of those in advanced age. And it could be also a lot of other deaths chalked off to old age that missed that cut. Not an exact science in any case...

Most deaths are people over the age of 65, these people struggle with normal flu any way. I have noticed that lots of governments are recording normal flu & pneumonia deaths in the elderly as COVID19. I think the figures are exaggerated & I don’t want to sound like a conspiracy theorist lunatic but I have my doubts about the whole legitimacy of this outbreak.

[examplens]

.....not to sound disrespectful or dismissive of the pandemic or anything, but my country of residence now actually gets a flu outbreak almost every winter, and even dispenses a modified flu vaccine every year. But the 2018/19 casualty list was really high: 400k infections and 4000 deaths, 2,900 they said could have been prevented with the vaccine. But also, as you point out, the casualty list was steeply in majority of those in advanced age. And it could be also a lot of other deaths chalked off to old age that missed that cut. Not an exact science in any case...

Most deaths are people over the age of 65, these people struggle with normal flu any way. I have noticed that lots of governments are recording normal flu & pneumonia deaths in the elderly as COVID19. I think the figures are exaggerated & I don’t want to sound like a conspiracy theorist lunatic but I have my doubts about the whole legitimacy of this outbreak.

But if we have a case like this "Coronavirus: Prime Minister Boris Johnson moved to intensive care after condition worsens^[1]", everything will get a much more serious note. Unknown, 80yrs old people are not so much for panic, but public figures like Johnson is something else and much more serious. I do not think that is worth more, only has more publicity.

I'm increasingly sceptical that PL season could end. There is a lot of games and around two months to play. Playing behind the closed door with quarantined players is a bad idea. What if after three rounds, one player pass positive test to COVID? Then all his other teammates need to go to isolation, and also all other players from the team against whom he played.

btw I received notification from Superbru, "Virtual Premier League Predictor" going to start in next 24h. will anyone participate?

[1] - https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-prime-minister-boris-johnson-moved-to-intensive-care-after-condition-worsens-11969587

[tokeweed]

.....not to sound disrespectful or dismissive of the pandemic or anything, but my country of residence now actually gets a flu outbreak almost every winter, and even dispenses a modified flu vaccine every year. But the 2018/19 casualty list was really high: 400k infections and 4000 deaths, 2,900 they said could have been prevented with the vaccine. But also, as you point out, the casualty list was steeply in majority of those in advanced age. And it could be also a lot of other deaths chalked off to old age that missed that cut. Not an exact science in any case...

Most deaths are people over the age of 65, these people struggle with normal flu any way. I have noticed that lots of governments are recording normal flu & pneumonia deaths in the elderly as COVID19. I think the figures are exaggerated & I don’t want to sound like a conspiracy theorist lunatic but I have my doubts about the whole legitimacy of this outbreak.

Why not try your theory and walk around your town without a mask and any kind protection then go to the most crowded place you can find.  Give everybody hugs.  

[webtricks]

In reality England has taken Corona a lot lighter than any other country. When all other countries held Champions League matches behind close door, Liverpool was playing against Atletico Madrid in the stadium full of supporters. I know situation then was not as worse as today but still authorities should have been more alert. I believe many Spanish fans traveled to Liverpool for the match too.

I don't see Premier League returning this season. This season will be dismissed most probably. Even English Prime Minister is suffering from Corona and is in critical condition. Let's hope for the best!

[cryptofrka]

Since it is obvious that the Premier league won't continue for quite some time, the players are apparently ready to talk about some wage cuts.
They rejected the initial 30% reduction for the next 12 months' period.

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/coronavirus-pfa-pay-cuts-charity-rashford-zaha-latest-a9453656.html

Not much in the article besides the fact that some funds will be used but a video at the top shows an interesting overview of how the sport in general is affected.

[Mbitr]

Since it is obvious that the Premier league won't continue for quite some time, the players are apparently ready to talk about some wage cuts.
They rejected the initial 30% reduction for the next 12 months' period.

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/coronavirus-pfa-pay-cuts-charity-rashford-zaha-latest-a9453656.html

Not much in the article besides the fact that some funds will be used but a video at the top shows an interesting overview of how the sport in general is affected.

With all this talk or players and staff at clubs taking wage cuts and/or furloughing , I wonder what wage cut the EPL Chief Executive Richard Masters is taking ? I’ve had a look for his salary and can’t find it anywhere and there certainly no mention of a wage cut for him !
Don’t get me wrong players are overpaid , but if there’s talk of wage cuts it’s got to start from the top !

[hilariousetc]

Since it is obvious that the Premier league won't continue for quite some time, the players are apparently ready to talk about some wage cuts.
They rejected the initial 30% reduction for the next 12 months' period.

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/coronavirus-pfa-pay-cuts-charity-rashford-zaha-latest-a9453656.html

Not much in the article besides the fact that some funds will be used but a video at the top shows an interesting overview of how the sport in general is affected.

With all this talk or players and staff at clubs taking wage cuts and/or furloughing , I wonder what wage cut the EPL Chief Executive Richard Masters is taking ? I’ve had a look for his salary and can’t find it anywhere and there certainly no mention of a wage cut for him !
Don’t get me wrong players are overpaid , but if there’s talk of wage cuts it’s got to start from the top !

Whilst I agree most players can afford to take a pay cut not all PL players are in the same position financially. I also think they're unfairly being singled out in the media with them being asked to be the first public figures to take pay cuts when nobody's calling for billionaires to help out. With that being said, 30% isn't much and especially since they're not even playing right now. It would be interesting to see if the PL bosses do do the same. The might have to make some cut backs somewhere if they're going to be refunding the billion+ pounds in TV rights that they can't complete.

[Mbitr]

I don’t know if you follow Simon Brodkin on Twitter - he’s the comedian who satirises premiership footballers with his character Jason Bent.
He’s really going for it at the moment - proper targeting the elite footballers - AND VERY FUNNY !
Here’s a couple of his recent tweets - worth a watch

https://twitter.com/simonbrodkin/status/1245322884068900865?s=21

https://twitter.com/simonbrodkin/status/1246760494201016320?s=21

[DeathAngel]

With all this talk or players and staff at clubs taking wage cuts and/or furloughing , I wonder what wage cut the EPL Chief Executive Richard Masters is taking ? I’ve had a look for his salary and can’t find it anywhere and there certainly no mention of a wage cut for him !
Don’t get me wrong players are overpaid , but if there’s talk of wage cuts it’s got to start from the top !

PL players seem to be getting targeted, what about billionaires in the UK, what about all those oil tycoons from Europe living in London. There’s a lot of people who earn more than football players but they don’t seem to be getting the same hate.