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

[examplens]

Has anyone seen the next round of fixtures? They're split over the 8th to 17th but it's another round of nightmare games to pick in my opinion:

Everton v Crystal Palace
Brighton v Watford
Sheffield United v Bournemouth
Manchester City v West Ham United
Wolverhampton v Leicester City
Southampton v Burnley
Norwich City v Liverpool
Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur
Arsenal v Newcastle United
Chelsea v Manchester United

I am not in the mod to think about next round. I don't even have the courage to look at the table.

Premier League Predictor   
my picks: 2 / 10 20%
Community Avg. 3.33 / 10 33%

You did worse than the community average

[tokeweed]

Has anyone seen the next round of fixtures? They're split over the 8th to 17th but it's another round of nightmare games to pick in my opinion:

Everton v Crystal Palace
Brighton v Watford
Sheffield United v Bournemouth
Manchester City v West Ham United
Wolverhampton v Leicester City
Southampton v Burnley
Norwich City v Liverpool
Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur
Arsenal v Newcastle United
Chelsea v Manchester United


A lot of bang average teams are playing each other and lots that are going to be hard to split. Man City are probably the only team playing at home I'd back straight away. Liverpool should win at Norwich but I'm just waiting for the week they take their foot of the gas and slip up. Norwich are rock bottom of the table but they can easily get out of it.

You're not trying to manipulate us to make the wrong picks are you?  Lolol.  j/k.  

How about that Sterling late tackle on Dele Alli that got only a yellow.  Meh.

Edit:  And VAR out...  IMHO.

[hilariousetc]

I am not in the mod to think about next round. I don't even have the courage to look at the table.

Premier League Predictor   
my picks: 2 / 10 20%
Community Avg. 3.33 / 10 33%

You did worse than the community average

Lol. why? You're still in third place and only moved down one place after that round. I only got 2.5 points more than you last week.

You're not trying to manipulate us to make the wrong picks are you?  Lolol.  j/k.  

Lol. Nah. It's me who usually goes with the wrong picks. I think I'll have to stop going with draws for more than a few games as they're costing me too many points.

How about that Sterling late tackle on Dele Alli that got only a yellow.  Meh.

I've seen them given and it looked worse on the replays but it wasn't intentional. Dele Ali got to it first and his foot knocked the ball away and therefore Sterling missed it but he couldn't really pull out as he was committed. Personally I think the yellow was fair and a red would have been harsh imo but I can see why people think it should have been a red.

Edit:  And VAR out...  IMHO.

I don't think they should get rid of it completely but they need to change how it works. You absolutely cannot let the game continue on for multiple minutes just to pull something back. The VAR in the City game was the correct decision but don't let them play on. As I've said before, don't check everything and give the team three appeals each. If they want to appeal then the game is stopped to check.

[tomahawk9]

Has anyone seen the next round of fixtures? They're split over the 8th to 17th but it's another round of nightmare games to pick in my opinion:

Do you know why they're doing this? I thought there was an international break or something, but it looks like it's only the EPL doing this. Does the FA want to give a few teams a bit of a break? Did I miss something in the news? 

Edit:  And VAR out...  IMHO.

As much as the EPL generates tons and tons of money every year, the implemantion of VAR (from what i've read) was pricey, so i hardly doubt they're gonna get rid of it, if anything they'll try to improve how it's being used by the refs.

[buwaytress]

@hilarious ugh I know, even betting odds seem almost like a replica of this week's bookies can't decide who to favour so they're going with margins.

@toma: Actually it's the "winter" break that the English FA are trying out for the first time. It's a weird sort of implementation split between the EPL teams so more like one half get a week and the other get the second week. It's just them trying to follow Germany or others to have a break for players, where they're not allowed to play even friendlies.

P.S. LFCTV featuring Jay Spearing. Was it you LFC_Bitcoin who reminisced? Haha.

Ah, thisisanfield update:
"Unfortunately, it appears as though the FA have pulled all broadcast options due to Klopp’s decision to miss the game, which is not only a detriment to fans, but also Shrewsbury and the competition in general."

[LTU_btc]

So, I had to watch Oxford Newcastle game because strangely none of my IPTV channels didn't show Liverpool game strangely. I can comment about game only looking at stats - seems that LFC even with youth squad dominated, though one Shrewsbury goal was cancelked after VAR review.
Still, I don't like this Klopp decision. Case with EFL Cup - it was understandable. But this, I don't know.
BTW, Oxford - Newcastle was really good game to watch with some drama.

[buwaytress]

So, I had to watch Oxford Newcastle game because strangely none of my IPTV channels didn't show Liverpool game strangely. I can comment about game only looking at stats - seems that LFC even with youth squad dominated, though one Shrewsbury goal was cancelked after VAR review.
Still, I don't like this Klopp decision. Case with EFL Cup - it was understandable. But this, I don't know.
BTW, Oxford - Newcastle was really good game to watch with some drama.

Yeah, I just posted above. FA decided to punish Liverpool by not televising the game anywhere. Seems like every other channel I tried to look at streamed Newcastle instead, Dazn, Bein, even Ziggo.

That VAR wouldn't have happened if we played AT Shrewsbury (no VAR installed there) so yay.

And we got through anyway, and Klopp's decision vindicated when we risked no injuries and gave the senior players the rest they were promised.

The more I thought about it, the more I think he made the right call. FA made all the EPL teams promise not to play any games in this trial winter break. So Klopp kept his promise. And he and others like Pep have been frequently vocal about players playing too much. I remember the injuries we had to deal with 2 seasons ago. So the first chance he gets to protect his players, he does.

This article is a throwback but also reminds us Klopp isn't the first Liverpool manager to do this. The rare outing for the youth squad in a senior game brought Paisley to the fore. Maybe one day we get Critchley in the sun and it'll have its roots in this season.

Maybe all this is by design...

[hilariousetc]

Has anyone seen the next round of fixtures? They're split over the 8th to 17th but it's another round of nightmare games to pick in my opinion:

Do you know why they're doing this? I thought there was an international break or something, but it looks like it's only the EPL doing this. Does the FA want to give a few teams a bit of a break? Did I miss something in the news? 

To be honest, I thought there was some international games on as well.

Edit:  And VAR out...  IMHO.

As much as the EPL generates tons and tons of money every year, the implemantion of VAR (from what i've read) was pricey, so i hardly doubt they're gonna get rid of it, if anything they'll try to improve how it's being used by the refs.

I'm sure they'll save a lot getting rid of it as well. There's a whole load of people they need to employ to not only monitor it but keep it running. I don't think they will or should get rid of it but it needs tweaking and improving or they need to change the rules regarding certain things (hand balls and offside for example).

Ah, thisisanfield update:
"Unfortunately, it appears as though the FA have pulled all broadcast options due to Klopp’s decision to miss the game, which is not only a detriment to fans, but also Shrewsbury and the competition in general."

Did Klopp ever further comment on this? I think it's a shame he didn't turn up or put a stronger team out. I wonder if the FA will change things because of this. Maybe start fining managers who don't turn up or purposely field weak teams. It sets a bad standard and I think if they allow it it will happen more and more with the big teams. Could even allow match fixing to creep in at some point. Any team could just field a squad of youngsters and let them get pummeled.

The more I thought about it, the more I think he made the right call. FA made all the EPL teams promise not to play any games in this trial winter break. So Klopp kept his promise. And he and others like Pep have been frequently vocal about players playing too much. I remember the injuries we had to deal with 2 seasons ago. So the first chance he gets to protect his players, he does.

They should have pushed for a rescheduling and then refused to play or something if not. I guess I only hope this causes the FA to think about how they schedule games and to give teams ample time. I think it's going to be a real shame if the cups start to become friendlies for big teams to try out their youngsters.

[cryptofrka]

I managed to watch the game, there were some streams. The kids played great, VAR call was good but the goal was again disallowed because of a pass that happened 10 seconds before Shrewsbury's goal.

I bet heavily on Shrewsbury, really did not expect our kids to physically be ready for 90 minutes. I wanted to cash out the second I saw Shrewsbury score but VAR screwed me over.

Fuck it, I'm sure a man can live on 11 monthly salaries as well

[Indymoney]

I managed to watch the game, there were some streams. The kids played great, VAR call was good but the goal was again disallowed because of a pass that happened 10 seconds before Shrewsbury's goal.

I bet heavily on Shrewsbury, really did not expect our kids to physically be ready for 90 minutes. I wanted to cash out the second I saw Shrewsbury score but VAR screwed me over.

Fuck it, I'm sure a man can live on 11 monthly salaries as well

But If you have a lady with you then its very hard because she need many things which possible just because of monthly salary 

[cryptofrka]

But If you have a lady with you then its very hard because she need many things which possible just because of monthly salary 

Hahah, I guess we will see if she loves me for real now

[tomahawk9]

To be honest, I thought there was some international games on as well.

Took me a while but i found the reason behind the strange fixtures: https://www.espn.com/soccer/english-premier-league/23/blog/post/3374502/premier-league-winter-break-how-will-it-work-and-when-will-it-be

TL;DR: there'll be a two week break for all teams. Half of the teams are already on vacation (the ones not playing this weekend), while the other half will go on vacation after the games this week.

I wonder if the FA will change things because of this. Maybe start fining managers who don't turn up or purposely field weak teams.

I'm ok with managers using weak teams, i mean, they can do whataver they want with the squad, there are no rules in football that state that teams have to field their best starting XI (there aren't, right? lol).

But the main coach not showing up to an official game? That's just surreal. I don't think i've seen a manager doing something like that ever (there have been exceptions though like sick leave or a family emergency). But I guess he's just following what the FA said about team's taking a small break.

[Trofo]

But the main coach not showing up to an official game? That's just surreal. I don't think i've seen a manager doing something like that ever (there have been exceptions though like sick leave or a family emergency). But I guess he's just following what the FA said about team's taking a small break.

He has at least been open about it and told the truth while making a point about congested schedule. I am sure Liverpool doctors could have written him an excuse note if he wanted it that way.

[hilariousetc]

I wonder if the FA will change things because of this. Maybe start fining managers who don't turn up or purposely field weak teams.

I'm ok with managers using weak teams, i mean, they can do whataver they want with the squad, there are no rules in football that state that teams have to field their best starting XI (there aren't, right? lol).

The question is, why wouldn't you want to field your best possible team? Teams should be trying to win all possible games and cups. Sure, sometimes players need or could do with a rest, but I doubt the fans like it when they pay good money to see b-teams or the under 21s and if they wanted to see those games then they can watch the under 21s or b-team friendlies. I'm pretty sure Klopp wouldn't be able to field a team of youngsters in the Premier League if they're not named in his squad at the beginning of the season. They could and maybe should do something similar for the cups if it starts to become a joke.

But the main coach not showing up to an official game? That's just surreal. I don't think i've seen a manager doing something like that ever (there have been exceptions though like sick leave or a family emergency). But I guess he's just following what the FA said about team's taking a small break.

Being ill or having some personal issues is understandable, but I think just not showing up is going to set a bad standard. Maybe if it's a protest then the FA will listen and start to make the schedules less hectic so cup games can be played with a full squad without interfering with the PL and CL.

[buwaytress]

@hilarious nope, no comment. I really tried looking too, because even up to the match itself I was hoping we'd get a view of Klopp at least. But you know who showed up? Millie, love the man.

And yeah I do hope the FA fine Liverpool... I still think Klopp made the right call, but a fine would coax more responses and I would love this whole thing to lead to real fixes in the cup. I agree with all who say games should always be played away from the seeded opponent, and no replays. But that would rob the others of the chance of ever playing at a big stadium too so I get it if the smaller teams can be given the CHOICE of ground. I would definitely go for that.

Oh and @toma there IS an FA rule in their competitions that you have to play your best: "each team participating in a match shall represent the full available strength of each competing club" ('Provisions Concerning Players 15.a.'). It's just never enforced in any way, so...

The EFL has the same rule actually, but with a provision allowed if circumstances prevent (so Liverpool actually played their U23 in Carabao with the blessing of the organisers).

Expect an FA fine or something.

Meanwhile. My bet on Southampton tonight! Go Saints! Already down to Ndombele hahaha...

[Trofo]

I knew that you have to register players before season start and that young players and home grown players give you more places over the limit but had to google the exact numbers, so here follows the quotes from official premier league page.

Each squad contains no more than 17 players who do not fulfill the "Home Grown Player" (HGP) criteria.
The rest of the squad, up to a total of 25 players, must be "Home Grown".
Under-21 players are eligible over and above the limit of 25 players per squad.
For the 2019/20 campaign Under-21 players will have been born on or after 1 January 1998.

A "Home-Grown Player" means a player who, irrespective of nationality or age, has been registered with any club affiliated to The Football Association or the Football Association of Wales for a period, continuous or not, of three entire seasons, or 36 months, before his 21st birthday (or the end of the season during which he turns 21).

That means that Klopp is well within his rights to field young players whenever he wants too even in the league.

[hilariousetc]

@hilarious nope, no comment. I really tried looking too, because even up to the match itself I was hoping we'd get a view of Klopp at least. But you know who showed up? Millie, love the man.

And yeah I do hope the FA fine Liverpool... I still think Klopp made the right call, but a fine would coax more responses and I would love this whole thing to lead to real fixes in the cup. I agree with all who say games should always be played away from the seeded opponent, and no replays. But that would rob the others of the chance of ever playing at a big stadium too so I get it if the smaller teams can be given the CHOICE of ground. I would definitely go for that.

My only hope is that the protest at least opens up a dialogue about what needs to change in the game. I think most people agree that it becomes too much and far too hectic at certain points in the year with the holiday games and then when there's multiple competitions going on (domestic cups and euro leagues etc (and then there's also internationals)).

Oh and @toma there IS an FA rule in their competitions that you have to play your best: "each team participating in a match shall represent the full available strength of each competing club" ('Provisions Concerning Players 15.a.'). It's just never enforced in any way, so...

It might be enforced now. I guess in the past it's hard to define or gauge what is the strongest available team unless they put a blatant b-team out and you can always come up with some excuse like the player needs a rest or isn't 100% fit to try justify an obviously weakened team.

[buwaytress]

@Trofo, you're also right about player registrations I believe. If they're not registered as part of the squad (and that's including reserves and most of the promoted to U23s, NOT the youth), they can't play. Can't remember but someone in the EPL recently got fined for playing someone who wasn't registered. But I think with FA and EFL, almost no problems with squads like Liverpools who actually aren't THAT big. It's guys like Chelsea a season or two ago, who had signed SO many players and then loaned them out, they forgot to register some of them!

@hilarious: I think it's high time the English FA modernise. The winter break (however you wanna call it) WILL be a good thing. And players need time with families but we love our winter games and December so I'm happy to let that continue if we have to sacrifice 2 weeks in Feb. I noticed it also times with Valentine's day so maybe that's deliberate;) And I can finally take my girl out without missing footie =p

[hilariousetc]

Don't forget there's games on tomorrow. Only four games in total on the weekend. Two games on Saturday and two on Sunday until next Friday:

Everton v Crystal Palace
Brighton v Watford
Sheffield United v Bournemouth
Manchester City v West Ham United

Can't say I'm interested or excited in any of those. Really tough calls in them all except the City game.

@hilarious: I think it's high time the English FA modernise. The winter break (however you wanna call it) WILL be a good thing. And players need time with families but we love our winter games and December so I'm happy to let that continue if we have to sacrifice 2 weeks in Feb. I noticed it also times with Valentine's day so maybe that's deliberate;) And I can finally take my girl out without missing footie =p

Yeah. I guess it's nice to watch the games over the holidays as a spectator but players deserve a break and to be with their families etc, especially on boxing day and new years day where there now expected to play and then and then there's the sheer amount of them all stuffed together around that time. Maybe they should have more breaks throughout the season or just straight extend the season out a bit and closer into summer. The season doesn't really need to finish in early May. I'm sure the players would much prefer to play in summer than the cold months as well. As long as it doesn't clash with the EUROs or World Cup then I can't see an issue.

[tomahawk9]

Oh and @toma there IS an FA rule in their competitions that you have to play your best: "each team participating in a match shall represent the full available strength of each competing club" ('Provisions Concerning Players 15.a.'). It's just never enforced in any way, so...

There it is! Knowing how strict the FA is, i kinda expected a rule like this to exist somewhere which is why I asked in my last post 

@Trofo thanks for the info! Very informative.

Everton v Crystal Palace
Brighton v Watford
Sheffield United v Bournemouth
Manchester City v West Ham United

Can't say I'm interested or excited in any of those. Really tough calls in them all except the City game.

Yikes! nothing worth watching. This is probably the first time this season that i'm gonna skip watching EPL games during the weekend :/ 
I'm about to make my picks, and i think i'm gonna go with home wins, except for the Brighton game (kinda hard to predict, tbh).