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

[LTU_btc]

Scottish League is small fry in numerous ways compared to the PL, but it's harsh that they relegated Hearts. They shouldn't be doing that unless they mathematically can't get out of the relegation zone. I'm sure they'll get that over-turned. They should do what the Belgium league did and just suspend relegation and play with the extra team next year.

Yeah, it's unfair situation and Belgian league made good decision. While French league did same thing and teams in relegation zone were planning to take legal actions against it.
Little Off-topic but Hearts were my favorite Scottish club 10-15 years ago when they had mad contraversial owner from my country .

People are bound to test positive, but that's why they do the tests so they don't spread it so people testing positive is unlikely to halt things.

Yeah, and it shouldn't be reason to stop everything. In Germany there was positive tests too, but they just closed infected payers and staff in quarantine.
@DeathAngel, Completely agree. I'm not really sure why EPL players are so sceptical about return. Bundesliga restarted without any issues, Serie A and La Liga players also returned to training without any complaints.

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[LFC_Bitcoin]

Guess who’s back, back again, Virgil’s back.....

[cryptofrka]

Exactly, it is not like our bosses ask us if we would come back to work, we have a job and contract. If I am not fulfilling my part of contractual obligation I will find my ass on the street without job very fast. What if doctors said they will not come to work to protect their families.

Ok, I am exaggerating a bit, we can't really compare essential services like healthcare and sports but I feel footballers are getting way too whiny. 20 years ago nobody would have said anything and leagues would already be restarted for sure. Hell, I have already started playing football with my mates and professionals didn't? Cinemas, theaters and shopping centers are opening all over the Europe and football stadiums are problems?

To be honest, I do not understand that part as well. One argument can be that we still take big precautions while working (we don't gather at the same places, we still distance ourselves in offices and sometimes even wear masks) and they would have to play full-contact sport.

But with all the tests being made and maximum safety protocols being introduced, they really should feel safe to play. Especially because they are getting paid throughout the whole process.

[tokeweed]

Guess who’s back, back again, Virgil’s back.....

Hah!  Cool cool...  

Just heard that it's not just Deeney who doesn't wanna go back to training.  A couple of his other team mates won't too.  And prolly some back room staff.

*Did a quick check of the table.  Looked at where Watford is*

Oooohh thaaat's why.  I think those clubs just above the relegation zone could start lobbying for a cancellation and keep the table as is.  

[cryptofrka]

Just heard that it's not just Deeney who doesn't wanna go back training.  A couple of his other team mates won't too.  And prolly some back room stuff.

The newest gossip is that Kante is refusing to train as well. He reported for the 1st training on Tuesday but apparently did not come yesterday.

This is by far the funniest thing I came across today: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8342165/Premier-League-stars-return-training-hampered-STICKY-BALLS-disinfectant.html

There have reportedly been issues with the disinfectant that clubs are spraying on footballs as part of hygiene measures.

In a reaction with the hot weather, the substance has made the balls sticky and caused surfaces to become tacky which has affected movement.

There has to be a line drawn somewhere, this really is too much.

[hilariousetc]

https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-star-dani-ceballos-accidentally-22064070

Arsenal star Dani Ceballos accidentally names Premier League restart date in interview

Premier League football looks set to restart on June 20 amid the coronavirus crisis as Dani Ceballos has let the return date slip after heading back to training with Arsenal

Hopefully that's true. If players have been given a date I don't know why it hasn't been made public.

Just heard that it's not just Deeney who doesn't wanna go back training.  A couple of his other team mates won't too.  And prolly some back room stuff.

The newest gossip is that Kante is refusing to train as well. He reported for the 1st training on Tuesday but apparently did not come yesterday.

It's not gossip; he's been allowed to miss training due to fears: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/11671335/kante-chelsea-training-coronavirus/

France World Cup winner Kante completed day one of Chelsea’s return to training on Tuesday after testing negative for coronavirus.

But it is believed he has concerns over the safety of going back to duty alongside his team-mates full time while England remains in lockdown.

As a result he was allowed to miss Wednesday’s session with the blessing of head coach Frank Lampard and the club.

He probably knows what he's team-mates have been up to  .

This is by far the funniest thing I came across today: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8342165/Premier-League-stars-return-training-hampered-STICKY-BALLS-disinfectant.html

There have reportedly been issues with the disinfectant that clubs are spraying on footballs as part of hygiene measures.

In a reaction with the hot weather, the substance has made the balls sticky and caused surfaces to become tacky which has affected movement.

There has to be a line drawn somewhere, this really is too much.

Yeah, saw that earlier. Spraying the balls is ridiculous.

Adrian Mariappa was the Watford player who tested positive: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52744883

[examplens]

Yeah, saw that earlier. Spraying the balls is ridiculous.

Adrian Mariappa was the Watford player who tested positive: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52744883

Everything is ridiculous, football is a sport with a lot of contacts, it is impossible to keep players disinfected. Only fast tests can help, fast I mean 30 minutes before starting a game.

I'm just thinking if it's true that there will be a restart on 20 June, then there will be no pauses between two seasons or it will be very short. I guess it can be exhausting for players, plus it may be accelerated because of the European championship. It can be very problematic for teams with a short bench.

[cryptofrka]

Everything is ridiculous, football is a sport with a lot of contacts, it is impossible to keep players disinfected. Only fast tests can help, fast I mean 30 minutes before starting a game.

I'm just thinking if it's true that there will be a restart on 20 June, then there will be no pauses between two seasons or it will be very short. I guess it can be exhausting for players, plus it may be accelerated because of the European championship. It can be very problematic for teams with a short bench.

That's why they introduced the 5 substitutes rule. I get what you mean and you are partially right - teams with short benches are at a disadvantage when using 5 substitutes because the quality of the players from the bench isn't at a high enough level.

The problem is that the season has to be finished and the new one is bound to start latest in September so the clubs will just have to manage somehow. Most of the players would have gone to the Euro championship anyway, so it was bound to be a season of little rest for them anyway.

[hilariousetc]

Yeah, saw that earlier. Spraying the balls is ridiculous.

Adrian Mariappa was the Watford player who tested positive: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52744883

Everything is ridiculous, football is a sport with a lot of contacts, it is impossible to keep players disinfected. Only fast tests can help, fast I mean 30 minutes before starting a game.

I'm just thinking if it's true that there will be a restart on 20 June, then there will be no pauses between two seasons or it will be very short. I guess it can be exhausting for players, plus it may be accelerated because of the European championship. It can be very problematic for teams with a short bench.

It's overkill for sure. It seems like an unnecessary precaution, and if it truly mattered or was essential that balls have to be disinfected then they probably shouldn't be playing.

Apparently all clubs will be doing another test today:

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11661/11992597/coronavirus-premier-league-clubs-face-second-round-of-testing-on-friday

Premier League clubs will undergo a second round of coronavirus testing on Friday.

Prenetics - the biotechnology company leading the Project Screen consortium that won the contract to test Premier League players and staff - say tests can take up to 48 hours to process and new results are expected to be published this weekend.​​

Everything is ridiculous, football is a sport with a lot of contacts, it is impossible to keep players disinfected. Only fast tests can help, fast I mean 30 minutes before starting a game.

I'm just thinking if it's true that there will be a restart on 20 June, then there will be no pauses between two seasons or it will be very short. I guess it can be exhausting for players, plus it may be accelerated because of the European championship. It can be very problematic for teams with a short bench.

That's why they introduced the 5 substitutes rule.

I don't think that's something that has been implemented has it, just proposed? I don't think they should allow more subs though. Doesn't really make sense. The actual game rules should just be played as normal in my opinion.

[cryptofrka]

I don't think that's something that has been implemented has it, just proposed? I don't think they should allow more subs though. Doesn't really make sense. The actual game rules should just be played as normal in my opinion.

Well, Bundesliga is being played with 5 so I assume other countries will follow it. I support it in these situations, although I know it just gives more of an edge to better teams.

There will be short breaks between games and they will probably have to be played in July and possibly August at 40+ degrees, so anything that can help for better recovery/protection is something that should at least be tried out.

I don't see much harm in it to be honest.

[tokeweed]

Just heard that it's not just Deeney who doesn't wanna go back training.  A couple of his other team mates won't too.  And prolly some back room stuff.

The newest gossip is that Kante is refusing to train as well. He reported for the 1st training on Tuesday but apparently did not come yesterday.

It's not gossip; he's been allowed to miss training due to fears: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/11671335/kante-chelsea-training-coronavirus/

France World Cup winner Kante completed day one of Chelsea’s return to training on Tuesday after testing negative for coronavirus.

But it is believed he has concerns over the safety of going back to duty alongside his team-mates full time while England remains in lockdown.

As a result he was allowed to miss Wednesday’s session with the blessing of head coach Frank Lampard and the club.

He probably knows what he's team-mates have been up to  .

Lawl.  Eating ass?  I heard you could get Rona doing it.  

Anyway...  What's the latest news?  I don't see any about the restart.  Def June 1?

[hilariousetc]

I don't think that's something that has been implemented has it, just proposed? I don't think they should allow more subs though. Doesn't really make sense. The actual game rules should just be played as normal in my opinion.

Well, Bundesliga is being played with 5 so I assume other countries will follow it. I support it in these situations, although I know it just gives more of an edge to better teams.

There will be short breaks between games and they will probably have to be played in July and possibly August at 40+ degrees, so anything that can help for better recovery/protection is something that should at least be tried out.

I don't see much harm in it to be honest.

I wasn't aware of the 5 subs change in Bundesliga, but that decision will probably be up the their own FA right and not UEFA or anything so might not happen in the PL. I don't see why it's necessary at the moment though. What disadvantage are they paying under where they need 5 subs? The only thing I could think of is because they've been out of practice for a while and players might not be fully fit but that's something every team will have to deal with, and as you said, it is going to give advantage to the teams with the stronger squads. Some teams have world class players on the bench while some are filled with kids and b-team players. I think they should try to play on with as little changes to the actual game as possible if any at all. Teams will probably use these changes as an excuse when they don't get the results they want.

He probably knows what he's team-mates have been up to  .

Lawl.  Eating ass?  I heard you could get Rona doing it.  

Anyway...  What's the latest news?  I don't see any about the restart.  Def June 1?

As far as I'm aware there's nothing concrete yet. There was the rumoured 20th June start but I'd be very surprised if it was the 1st of June or even the 12 which was another proposed date.

[cryptofrka]

I don't see why it's necessary at the moment though. What disadvantage are they paying under where they need 5 subs?

My logic is that there will be a lot more games clustered in a smaller period of time than in normal league schedule. I'm not sure if the 5 vs 3 subs per single game will make that much of a difference for players' general condition though, if any at all.
I understand your viewpoint, I just think that no real harm would come from it and am more indifferent to it. It might actually bring more goals because attackers tend to be the more substituted players

[LTU_btc]

I don't think that's something that has been implemented has it, just proposed? I don't think they should allow more subs though. Doesn't really make sense. The actual game rules should just be played as normal in my opinion.

FIFA allowed 5 subsitutions until the end of 2020:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.fifa.com/who-we-are/news/amp/five-substitutes-option-temporarily-allowed-for-competition-organisers
But it's optional, every league can decide whether allow it or no. I don't see bad aspects of this change, same like they allowed 4th subsitution on overtime previously. Teams will have very intensive schedule in next few months and risk of injuries may increase. Though, from what I saw in Bundesliga so far, managers don't always use all 5 substitutions.

[hilariousetc]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52775640

The Premier League is "as confident as we can be" about restarting in June, says chief executive Richard Masters.

Players resumed training on Tuesday, the day it was announced there had been six positive tests for coronavirus across three clubs.

The Premier League, suspended on 13 March, had previously identified 12 June as a possible restart date.

I'm still sceptical of 12th June for the restart. That's less than a month away. I guess it all depends how much planning has gone on behind the scenes already. If they've already got everything in place then it should be fine but if not I think that could lead to a lot of problems.

I don't see why it's necessary at the moment though. What disadvantage are they paying under where they need 5 subs?

My logic is that there will be a lot more games clustered in a smaller period of time than in normal league schedule. I'm not sure if the 5 vs 3 subs per single game will make that much of a difference for players' general condition though, if any at all.
I understand your viewpoint, I just think that no real harm would come from it and am more indifferent to it. It might actually bring more goals because attackers tend to be the more substituted players

Well I suppose if they're playing games in a shorter period it might help, but has that been confirmed yet? I haven't heard anything in a while on whether they'll be playing in neutral venues or not or whether things will just carry on as normal in regards to fixtures.

Though, from what I saw in Bundesliga so far, managers don't always use all 5 substitutions.

I guess it'll just be like any other game where not all the subs get used. Probably rare though and they usually get brought on towards the end just to get some playing time. I guess it will depend on the situation though, as you don't want to be bringing on inexperienced players just for the sake of it or changing up your team too much, especially if the game is still close.

[cryptofrka]

Well I suppose if they're playing games in a shorter period it might help, but has that been confirmed yet? I haven't heard anything in a while on whether they'll be playing in neutral venues or not or whether things will just carry on as normal in regards to fixtures.

I haven't seen anything concrete about these topics so far. Only what we already discussed here, some ideas being tossed around both by clubs and the committee.
I guess they will agree on all of that after some more meetings and maybe a week before the league starts. So far personally I think games will be played at regular stadiums. But that's just a hunch.

[DeathAngel]

Anybody done their round 30 picks in Superbru yet?
Might be an idea to start doing them incase you forget when the season begins. That’s what tgis thread is for, right?

[tokeweed]

^  Today's Saturday? 

Seriously...  I was gonna force myself to watch some Bundesliga 'this weekend' thinking it was like..  a Wednesday or Thursday.

[DeathAngel]

^  Today's Saturday? 

Seriously...  I was gonna force myself to watch some Bundesliga 'this weekend' thinking it was like..  a Wednesday or Thursday.

It’s crazy isn’t it, every day blends into one. We don’t go back to work until June 1st, I’m so bored. I watched some  Bundesliga yesterday, it’s nowhere near as fun for me personally but at least it’s something to keep me occupied.

PL is rumoured to be returning weekend of June 20th so we have that to look forward to.

[hilariousetc]

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11661/11993387/premier-league-two-more-positive-cases-after-second-round-of-coronavirus-testing

Premier League: Two more positive cases after second round of coronavirus testing
Two positive cases at two separate clubs from 996 tests; In total, eight positive cases returned from 1,744 tests conducted across two rounds

Glad to see that there's been minimal positive tests coming back. The players who test positive could be fit and ready to play if they isolate themselves for two weeks.

Anybody done their round 30 picks in Superbru yet?
Might be an idea to start doing them incase you forget when the season begins. That’s what tgis thread is for, right?

Jumping the gun a bit  , but just done mine now. I doubt anyone will forget though as once the league gets the go ahead it will be all over the media.

I wonder if the fixtures will resume as normal? Watford v Leicester is apparently the first one back if they play them as they were and that could be a great game. Merseyside derby is also on the same round but the last game.

^  Today's Saturday? 

Seriously...  I was gonna force myself to watch some Bundesliga 'this weekend' thinking it was like..  a Wednesday or Thursday.

It’s crazy isn’t it, every day blends into one. We don’t go back to work until June 1st, I’m so bored. I watched some  Bundesliga yesterday, it’s nowhere near as fun for me personally but at least it’s something to keep me occupied.

I haven't watched any of the games yet but I'll watch the Dortmund/Bayern game on Tuesday.