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

[Betwrong]

But, after a quick research I want to ask you, are you sure the predictions have something to do with AI? I can't find that info anywhere.  

If that's an AI as in a literal machine calculating the results with no human curation whatsoever (so this is not like Superbru's insights picks), then I don't think it's going to be very accurate, as it mostly looks at long term trends, not short term stuff like did someone get injured during training or how is the stadium atmosphere, etc.

Exactly. That's what I think AI should be doing: analyzing all the newest info from the Internet and making conclusions based on the analysis. How frequently? I think once per minute will do. Not every site can afford something like this. Although the costs have reduced significantly during the past years, the thing is still not that cheap:

The cost of implementing complete AI solutions may vary from US$20000 to US$1,000,000

That's why I'm always skeptical when a small company is claiming that it's using AI.

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[Welsh]

I doubt they really care. Man City is owned by Abu Dhabi United Group which is part owned by Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan a member of the Saudi Royal family. It's all a load of hypocrisy anyway. I'm sure most football clubs owners are unscrupulous or have ties to dodgy stuff. Mike Ashley was hardly a well respected businessman and was pretty exploitative of workers but that's just business I guess. The UK government sells arms to the Saudi's and they don't seem to mind blowing civilians up themselves but every footballer still pays their taxes. I don't think it's morals that will get in the way and would think it would be quite unfair if it did but they will certainly have their detractors who will surely whine about this sort of stuff. I think the biggest hurdle will be getting that first star player signing. It's going to have to be a lot of money to even get them as they're still going to be playing for a mediocre side until they sign more players.

I'd like to think they care, and I'd like to think I'd care if I was in their position. Though, you're probably right, and I'm just romanticizing it. Well yeah, I think a lot of people would argue that Saudi are here because of the UK helping them achieve what they wanted to achieve.

It'll be interesting what players they sign, because I'll be curious how many top players are willing to go play for a team that's currently struggling, and will have to work their socks off to get anywhere near European competitions. It might sound a little crazy because Manchester City were in the lower leagues, but I think rebuilding Newcastle is harder than Man City's rise to glory.

I just can't see them getting enough signings that are of good enough quality, without massively overspending, putting their financial fair play at risk (whether or not they care about that since Manchester City doesn't seem too) in January. Usually, teams that are doing well want to keep their best players to try, and finish as positively as they can, those that are particularly struggling will also want to keep their star players, to keep their position in the tables respectful.

Obviously, you can make big signings in January transfer windows, I think Torres was a January signing for Liverpool way back, and do I recall Suarez also being a signing in Jan? I can't quite remember. However, Newcastle need more than just one or two players. They need a complete overhaul. The only players I see at Newcastle that should probably stay are Wilson (though injury prone), Saint Maximin, and Miguel Almirón. Those players are pretty decent, and are relatively young for their importance to the team.

You could potentially argue that players like Murphy, Hayden, and Joe Willock should be staying, but personally I think they should be setting the bar higher that these types of players.

[Trofo]

It'll be interesting what players they sign, because I'll be curious how many top players are willing to go play for a team that's currently struggling, and will have to work their socks off to get anywhere near European competitions. It might sound a little crazy because Manchester City were in the lower leagues, but I think rebuilding Newcastle is harder than Man City's rise to glory.

I just can't see them getting enough signings that are of good enough quality, without massively overspending, putting their financial fair play at risk (whether or not they care about that since Manchester City doesn't seem too) in January. Usually, teams that are doing well want to keep their best players to try, and finish as positively as they can, those that are particularly struggling will also want to keep their star players, to keep their position in the tables respectful.

For me the best strategy would be to target young potent players for future and then signing some of the well know qoulity players that are getting old. Something like PSG has done in this transfer window, you attract top players with wages they can't get in their current clubs after they pass certain age limit. Those "old big name players" give you immediate impact and extra incentive to attract qoulity youngsters and those youngsters are the one that should be a base of the squad in a couple of seasons time.

[buwaytress]

Damn, I missed all earlier comments about Gerrard sorry for the throwback but yeah, Welsh, we're all hoping Klopp finds some space in his heart in 2024 to keep on, and I want us to give him as many memories as possible from now til then, good ones of course. Re Gerrard, I don't think there's a Red who doesn't dream of him returning to Anfield but in the dugout, as many of our old heroes did. I really appreciated that he worked his way up first, and I know I thought EPL was still a bit too soon, but I'm hoping he proves me wrong.

These smaller steps should allow him to gain the experience needed to manage a top club. Besides, I'm pretty sure Klopp, and Gerrard has been in talks about this, and who knows Gerrard replacing him might be the plan, as I take Klopp as someone who cares for the club, and isn't just collecting a paycheck. Therefore, I would expect Klopp to give him in the advice of building up rather than jumping the gun.

If I know Klopp, he's definitely having all these shadow talks for the future 5 years down the road. Part of why I love the guy, he just keeps things under wrap and springs surprises when we least expect.

I do feel part of the reason for all our apprehension (or I speak for myself) is the hurt of so many years. Weirdly, the last few years puts into contrast the 2 decades before, which hardens the pain in some way. But I am more than certain Klopp actually does care about the club, and that's enough to convince me he's making sure he doesn't just leave a massive hole in our hearts and future when he eventually does leave.
=======

Now onto EPL reopening for business. Liverpool 3 - 0 Arsenal. I know, I know, weird lineup and young guns from London getting England caps and first goals, but Liverpool is not San Marino neither Watford!

[Welsh]

I've always seen Klopp as a mentoring type, that's why he's so successful in turning players that weren't at their best, and getting the most out of them. So, I'd like to think he's going to have heavy involvement with these shadow talks to try, and ease Gerrard into the role. That's if he is definitely leaving, I'm really hoping he stays. It says a lot when you have a club legend like Gerrard who could potentially manage the team in the future, which is very movie story like, but most of us would prefer to have Klopp at the helm. That says a lot about how much we respect, and love Klopp.

Easily, the best manager post 2000's, and I think there could potentially be a argument for being the best of all time. Though, with Shankly there's definitely some decent competition out there. Though, they're very similar I think.

With how shaky Liverpool's defense has been recently, I'm personally feeling 3-1. I might see if I can remember the throwaway email I used for this, and just see how many points I end up with by mass putting in the results .

[icopress]

Easily, the best manager post 2000's, and I think there could potentially be a argument for being the best of all time. Though, with Shankly there's definitely some decent competition out there. Though, they're very similar I think.

I don't know about you, but for me the best Premier League manager of all time was Arsene Wenger ... How about a streak of 49 unbeaten matches? At least he is an excellent example of what a manager should do to enter the history of his club, so that after decades such a coach would be remembered with a smile. And it's not just about coaching ... infrastructure development, pressure to change the fin policy of the club, this is his handiwork.  

[swogerino]

Today is the weekend of Premier League again so don't forget to put your picks guys as the first game starts at 13:30 European time.I like these kind of weekends with 8 games today and the other 2 tomorrow although I never have done well in tight weekends.Anyway for the moment I don't expect anything as it is better to not expect anything from the games rather than believing you will do well and getting disappointed week after week.

[buwaytress]

Eh Chelski got into a predictable quick lead. I backed them on predictions, but went for Leicester on betting (5/1 with Super Boost). Doubt they can pull back even 2 if they keep like first half.

I don't know about you, but for me the best Premier League manager of all time was Arsene Wenger ... How about a streak of 49 unbeaten matches? At least he is an excellent example of what a manager should do to enter the history of his club, so that after decades such a coach would be remembered with a smile. And it's not just about coaching ... infrastructure development, pressure to change the fin policy of the club, this is his handiwork. 

I tend to agree, better than Ferguson in my book, if you look at his mark on the club and on football in general (he helped English football professionalize and modernise, even if I thought it was ok to smoke and drink before the match haha). The resources he had, the resources he had to fight against, I always thought Gooners didn't know what they were asking for when they wanted him out. I'm really not as certain about what he's trying to change with World Cup and FIFA though, but he wasn't called the Professor for nothing.

I've always seen Klopp as a mentoring type, that's why he's so successful in turning players that weren't at their best, and getting the most out of them. So, I'd like to think he's going to have heavy involvement with these shadow talks to try, and ease Gerrard into the role. That's if he is definitely leaving, I'm really hoping he stays. It says a lot when you have a club legend like Gerrard who could potentially manage the team in the future, which is very movie story like, but most of us would prefer to have Klopp at the helm. That says a lot about how much we respect, and love Klopp.

Easily, the best manager post 2000's, and I think there could potentially be a argument for being the best of all time. Though, with Shankly there's definitely some decent competition out there. Though, they're very similar I think.

With how shaky Liverpool's defense has been recently, I'm personally feeling 3-1. I might see if I can remember the throwaway email I used for this, and just see how many points I end up with by mass putting in the results .

I wish I'd been able to see Shankly's magic, old clips can't do justice but I've personally got a soft spot for King Kenny, maybe because I thought it romantic to have a player-manager lift trophies, and I know he wasn't the best guy for the job when he had his second coming, but he probably still put us back on the right track for a while. I also loved Rafa and Houllier -- they gave me good memories too -- but I count myself truly fortunate to be living in the age of Klopp. He appeals to every football sense I have, and embodies Liverpool in more ways than one, you see it run through everything, his recruitment, his press conferences, his camaraderie with the players, it's impossible for him to be anything other than what he is. I agree, we have the best, and every club knows it and envies it.

Oh and yes! You've got to put in your picks man! 15 minutes and get the whole season put in =D

[Harkorede]

Eh Chelski got into a predictable quick lead. I backed them on predictions, but went for Leicester on betting (5/1 with Super Boost). Doubt they can pull back even 2 if they keep like first half.

Leicester were literally shit today, and thank goodness there was VAR in play the scoreline would have been far mon than that. I couldn't complain much since I got 1.5 points from the fixture, 0.5 more than a lot of other players...

We're back to what usually determines how the game week is going to be (that's the 4PM fixture), De Gea to rescue early for Man Utd, Watford had one opportunity twice to score for the penalty spot but it was been squandered.

EDIT: Man Utd going behind was inevitable, wasn't it ? It was deserved lead for Watford.

[icopress]

Leicester were literally shit today, and thank goodness there was VAR in play the scoreline would have been far mon than that. [...] De Gea to rescue early for Man Utd, Watford had one opportunity twice to score for the penalty spot but it was been squandered.

For me this is a perfect match as Pulisic and Rüdiger are in my FPL team, and they both scored, but it is also interesting that all the players I selected who are in the ranks today scored. + In principle, I do not watch matches with Manchester United, but judging by the current score, MU is really in a complete ass, and if an unrealized penalty had been scored, there would have been three conceded goals before the break (I think this is worse than losing to Liverpool).

[tomahawk9]

what a legend 👉  👈  not really, what a prat lol 80 million



Oleee is at the wheeeeel ♪ tell meeee, how does it feeeel? ♪ you are shite! shite! shite! ♪    my songwriting skills are marvelous (;

(I think this is worse than losing to Liverpool).

it is, they got outplayed by relegation fodder. a new low for this team

[buwaytress]

Damn Liverpool ahead but a few scares. Ramsdale proving to be quite a hindrance.

Leicester were literally shit today, and thank goodness there was VAR in play the scoreline would have been far mon than that. [...] De Gea to rescue early for Man Utd, Watford had one opportunity twice to score for the penalty spot but it was been squandered.

For me this is a perfect match as Pulisic and Rüdiger are in my FPL team, and they both scored, but it is also interesting that all the players I selected who are in the ranks today scored. + In principle, I do not watch matches with Manchester United, but judging by the current score, MU is really in a complete ass, and if an unrealized penalty had been scored, there would have been three conceded goals before the break (I think this is worse than losing to Liverpool).

They actually said they played worse against City than against Liverpool, just lucky the scoreline stood. And yeah, on paper, this is worse too but 2 seasons ago Watford beat both United and Liverpool 3-0 (the latter breaking out terrific run and quest for an unbeaten season haha). Everyone ought to thank Liverpool for completely breaking their spirit after that game. I do feel sorry for Ole, and don't like the news coming out that his major players don't back him, hate to hear that in any team as then they sabotage themselves... but well, Ole also has the option of seppuku and just resigning cause his team's not even playing for him anymore. Even started Sancho now and played van de Beek second half...

Anyway, don't care, 4 points are all I got today so far, but that's not TOO bad.

LFC_Bitcoin deserves a mention for being the only one to get a Norwich win. And the 3 bastards who predicted United loss (why aren't we all doing the same?).

[icopress]

[...]

In my opinion, this is not the first time that Maguire disappoints the fans of MU with his game, for me it remains a mystery why he is still the captain. 

In addition to the absence of a coach, the leader is also absent, not that I was particularly worried about it, but I see enough players to replace him, players who know all the intricacies of the club. A couple of weeks ago I already saw the roundup of negative news, but I think after today he is definitely being booed.

[swogerino]

I thought I would get the wooden spoon as I got only 1 point from 8 games today only because of Liverpool winning but I saw someone with 0 points,probably not an active player but the results of today were really not as expected,Norwich won again,a lot of draws and Manchester United and West Ham lost their games.Liverpool win also saved man today as two big teams won like Chelsea and Liverpool.Tomorrow let's see what happens.

[Trofo]

I thoroughly enjoyed United game today There was minute 20 or 30 and I am thinking Watford should have already be 3:0 up at least, then the commentator says lucky United that they are not playing against some better side which would punish all those mistakes. Then starts the second half, United starts to play well, they claw one goal back, second goals is in the air and what happens - Maguire to the Watford rescue. He tries to "dribble" as last men gets second yellow card. Dribble is in quotation marks since his attempt was comical and does not deserves the dribble title, to make things even worse after he got red for that, Matic did the same thing 3 more times.

De Gea is best goalkeeper in the league when opponents are having good shots from dangerous positions, but if you just try to shoot from dead angle De Gea finds a way to let the ball in the net. I don't remember any game where goalkeeper managed to get 3 goals from angles like that. Truly unique accomplishment by whole United team.

Another great performance by Liverpool, did not think the would have it that easy since Arsenal was good in last few games. Lots of goals today, hopefully it will continue like that tomorrow as well.

[Joca97]

I thought I would get the wooden spoon as I got only 1 point from 8 games today only because of Liverpool winning but I saw someone with 0 points,probably not an active player but the results of today were really not as expected,Norwich won again,a lot of draws and Manchester United and West Ham lost their games.Liverpool win also saved man today as two big teams won like Chelsea and Liverpool.Tomorrow let's see what happens.

As far as we can see o most everyone had a bad week currently. Im sad because i had big points in the bag and lost them in the last 15 minutes o most of every match. Man Utd lost points i think to all players o most plus Norwich aswell. Really hard week,but weeks like this make a difference on the leaderboard.

[arallmuus]

I thought I would get the wooden spoon as I got only 1 point from 8 games today only because of Liverpool winning but I saw someone with 0 points
probably not an active player

Aside from Alexr and Welsh that isnt active anymore, the other one is Jayce. He is still active and he has only 1 prediction for tonight's games which is on Chelsea vs Arsenal so most likely he forgot to put in his prediction this week for the earlier games

but the results of today were really not as expected

Yeah kinda but @LFC_bitcoin managed to score 10 points this weeks, thats a huge lead for now compared with the others

He tries to "dribble" as last men gets second yellow card. Dribble is in quotation marks since his attempt was comical and does not deserves the dribble title, to make things even worse after he got red for that

The whole Manchester United' defender seems like a joke right. Well atleast I'll finally get to watch a game without Maguire in it, he keeps on making everything worse for some reason lol

[tomahawk9]

[...]

In my opinion, this is not the first time that Maguire disappoints the fans of MU with his game, for me it remains a mystery why he is still the captain. 

he might have some leadership in him in the dressing room, but i reckon it's gotta be tough to motivate your teammates when you're the one letting them down over and over again with your dumb mistakes

The whole Manchester United' defender seems like a joke right. Well atleast I'll finally get to watch a game without Maguire in it, he keeps on making everything worse for some reason lol

Man utd are very unlucky at signing good defenders, the players always look top class in their former clubs, but once they arrive at manchester, they turn into Championship tier players: Bailly, Maguire, Wan bissaka, Blind, Dalot, Phil Jones, Darmian, Marcos Rojo

anyhow, masterclass from the Man utd board, why sack Ole during the international break [and have two weeks to find a proper replacement] when you can sack him now when football is back, put Carrick as coach for the next few games (Villareal, Chelsea, Arsenal) and then sign an interim until the end of the season?? why are the glazers trying to sabotage this club ? 

[Trofo]

The whole Manchester United' defender seems like a joke right. Well atleast I'll finally get to watch a game without Maguire in it, he keeps on making everything worse for some reason lol

Man utd are very unlucky at signing good defenders, the players always look top class in their former clubs, but once they arrive at manchester, they turn into Championship tier players: Bailly, Maguire, Wan bissaka, Blind, Dalot, Phil Jones, Darmian, Marcos Rojo

anyhow, masterclass from the Man utd board, why sack Ole during the international break [and have two weeks to find a proper replacement] when you can sack him now when football is back, put Carrick as coach for the next few games (Villareal, Chelsea, Arsenal) and then sign an interim until the end of the season?? why are the glazers trying to sabotage this club ? 

I can agree that Bailly and Wan Bissaka were great in their previous clubs. I still think Wan Bissaka is great even in this United squad. He covers up so much in the back and without him they would be even worse. Maguire is maybe a class but I never liked him, he always looks like he is just minutes away from next disaster. He can only be good in a defense that covers his poor speed, if you leave him to play one on one against fast players it will never look good. The rest are maybe solid players but not top players to fight for League title.

Glazers decision making is really causing a lot of good vibes amongst United competitors. They used international break to pay for Ole vacation I wrote in some topic that he sent the players on one week vacation and left to Norway.

[casperBGD]

~snip

As far as we can see o most everyone had a bad week currently. Im sad because i had big points in the bag and lost them in the last 15 minutes o most of every match. Man Utd lost points i think to all players o most plus Norwich aswell. Really hard week,but weeks like this make a difference on the leaderboard.

agree, there was a surprise on Manchester, but West Ham as well
while all the others came more/less as expected, Norwich win was more on "they have to win sometime" than expected, I actually put Newcastle to win, but they failed, so they will be on "they have to win sometime" list, but all this four came with less than 30% players picked right outcome (West Ham and Manchester below 10%)