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

[Trofo]

could we see history this season, and Gunners in Championship?

No way Arsenal is dropping out of the league. Yeah they started awful but there is more then enough qoulity in their team for mid table finish. I still expect to see them in top half of the table, maybe around 8th spot fighting for conference league ticket. They have fallen low, but even if they have 0 points after next few games they'll just sack Arteta and ride positive shock to that middle table positions. Have a feeling Arteta is trying to emulate his mentor Guardiola a little bit too much, you can't play that way of passing game with high pressing without heaps of qoulity in your team.

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[cryptofrka]

I keep waiting for Keita to come and return Klopp's faith in him. Or Thiago to remind us of his debut. Elliot's also ok-ish on the right but yeah we're missing some grit down there. But we never did replace our little magician on that left. Gini's a great dribbler but he seldom found a way to unlock stubborn defences the way Coutinho did.

His agent isn't doing him any favors. He blasted Klopp for not including Keita in the Chelsea game, blaming Klopp for the draw.

Keita was a player I was really excited about, however not playing him often looks like the best option. He has some moments but the overall package simply isn't Liverpool's standard. Infuriating, because we will lose money on a technically really gifted player who could have been a solution for our midfield problems.
Thiago is on a good path to be another disappointment, weird again because he's quality - but simply does not play well for some reason.

I hope we find a solution somewhere, without Gini we can't afford to search for too long.

[swogerino]

Third week ended and I am still at the top.I never knew I would manage to be this high for two consecutive weeks but this is giving me heart,now I am thinking and dreaming of why not doing well also in all the upcoming weeks and win the tournament,that would be a huge achievement for me.Realistically though I am hoping for a best 10 finish as this is what I work for.

[buwaytress]

Nice going swog. Damn that last game was pretty good. Wolves had United under pressure most of the game, I'd say, and probably could have been happy with 3 points early on if not for de Gea. Their finishing is as poor as ever though, have to say.

His agent isn't doing him any favors. He blasted Klopp for not including Keita in the Chelsea game, blaming Klopp for the draw.

Keita was a player I was really excited about, however not playing him often looks like the best option. He has some moments but the overall package simply isn't Liverpool's standard. Infuriating, because we will lose money on a technically really gifted player who could have been a solution for our midfield problems.
Thiago is on a good path to be another disappointment, weird again because he's quality - but simply does not play well for some reason.

I hope we find a solution somewhere, without Gini we can't afford to search for too long.

Yeah, we're beginning to get quite a collection of not-quite-there midfielders. Shaq already offloaded, Minamino I thought saw his last season with us also, Ox looks like he's fading. Keita's still got something in him but yeah, none of these guys are up to the very high standards a champion should have.

[DIA7]

We need a new left-sided midfielder. I'm starting to miss Gini already 

I keep waiting for Keita to come and return Klopp's faith in him. Or Thiago to remind us of his debut. Elliot's also ok-ish on the right but yeah we're missing some grit down there. But we never did replace our little magician on that left. Gini's a great dribbler but he seldom found a way to unlock stubborn defences the way Coutinho did.

Keita is a more of a defensive midfielder then of creative one, Wijnaldum was like a box ro box midfielder for me and as for Thiago he was at Bayern with a lot of great players around him so making a mistake there is going to be covered by his teammates that is why I think that Thiago was always overrated as his stats at Bayern is not that too impressive and he rarely come into the lights in a positive way or negatively with them.
And when he joined Liverpool he was demanded to make efforts and play well and in his previous season he only managed to score one goal and providing 0 assists.
As for Elliot he still young got room for improvement and I rather see him play instead of Thiago.

[cryptofrka]

Keita is a more of a defensive midfielder then of creative one, Wijnaldum was like a box ro box midfielder for me and as for Thiago he was at Bayern with a lot of great players around him so making a mistake there is going to be covered by his teammates that is why I think that Thiago was always overrated as his stats at Bayern is not that too impressive and he rarely come into the lights in a positive way or negatively with them.
And when he joined Liverpool he was demanded to make efforts and play well and in his previous season he only managed to score one goal and providing 0 assists.
As for Elliot he still young got room for improvement and I rather see him play instead of Thiago.

Keita is nowhere near a defensive midfielder, quite the opposite. He is creative, his movement with the ball is really good and he can find space with his passes. The main problem is the physical and tactical segment of his game, he is really bad defensively. He never played as a defensive midfielder in his whole life so I'm really unsure why you feel he's a DM?

Regarding Thiago - he was good everywhere and is technically an amazing player. I think he'll turn out to be OK, he arrived late and needs a few more weeks to get into shape.

[Betwrong]

Liverpool game just returned me back on top and this is good because I just had 2.5 points before,with Liverpool correct score I got to 5.5 which is not bad.I am starting to like being at the top but I don't think after the three games of tomorrow I will be there again but I am hopeful I won't lose that many places.

I'm a Liverpool FC fan, so my prediction was 3-2, and it was totally wrong. Well, since 2-1 and even 1-0, was also considered wrong, I had no chance to score in this one. Congrats on the exact prediction, @swogerino, and also on taking the first place in the leaderboard!

For me it was another bad round and I descended 5 places down to 38th position. What's good is that we have a lot of rounds ahead, and absolutely anyone still has a chance to be at the very top in the end(even those 2 players that haven't joined yet.) Join up, guys! Make the prize-pool 0.1 BTC bigger.

[DIA7]

Keita is a more of a defensive midfielder then of creative one, Wijnaldum was like a box ro box midfielder for me and as for Thiago he was at Bayern with a lot of great players around him so making a mistake there is going to be covered by his teammates that is why I think that Thiago was always overrated as his stats at Bayern is not that too impressive and he rarely come into the lights in a positive way or negatively with them.
And when he joined Liverpool he was demanded to make efforts and play well and in his previous season he only managed to score one goal and providing 0 assists.
As for Elliot he still young got room for improvement and I rather see him play instead of Thiago.

Keita is nowhere near a defensive midfielder, quite the opposite. He is creative, his movement with the ball is really good and he can find space with his passes. The main problem is the physical and tactical segment of his game, he is really bad defensively. He never played as a defensive midfielder in his whole life so I'm really unsure why you feel he's a DM?

Regarding Thiago - he was good everywhere and is technically an amazing player. I think he'll turn out to be OK, he arrived late and needs a few more weeks to get into shape.

keita didn't play a lot for Liverpool despite that this is his 4th season with Liverpool.
When he plays I always see him tackles a lot and commits a lot of fouls and get booked for it and when you see his goals and assists there is nothing special about it despite that the team have 2 great wingers that scores many goals in a season.
I see him more of a defensive midfielder that he is good at taking the ball from the back and get it safe ro the front line.
I think it's better for Klopp to pair Chamberlain with Henderson at central midfield and sometimes rotate them with the other depends on who they play against.

[Harkorede]

Liverpool game just returned me back on top and this is good because I just had 2.5 points before,with Liverpool correct score I got to 5.5 which is not bad.I am starting to like being at the top but I don't think after the three games of tomorrow I will be there again but I am hopeful I won't lose that many places.

I'm a Liverpool FC fan, so my prediction was 3-2, and it was totally wrong. Well, since 2-1 and even 1-0, was also considered wrong, I had no chance to score in this one. Congrats on the exact prediction, @swogerino, and also on taking the first place in the leaderboard!

For me it was another bad round and I descended 5 places down to 38th position. What's good is that we have a lot of rounds ahead, and absolutely anyone still has a chance to be at the very top in the end(even those 2 players that haven't joined yet.) Join up, guys! Make the prize-pool 0.1 BTC bigger.

I also dropped by 11 places to number 14th on the leaderboard, I knew it was going to be an awful week.

I hate when the week result are filled with draws, and we had 5 draws this week, some were not so expected imo.. Congratulations to Hilarious for the winning the round, he often thrives with those draw picks.

[Welsh]

I had an absolutely awful weekend of predictions. I think I'm going to try, and remember them just before the games so I can get a little idea of the lineups before the games actually kick off, because that was a shocking weekend for me. International break now though, so who knows what players will pick up injuries as it always seems key players pick up injuries while on international duty.

I do believe that several clubs are preventing international players from joining their national team though, which I'm not sure I completely agree with. Should probably be up to the player if they want to risk their health with Covid, especially since its technically allowed for elite sportsman to travel. I suspect their exposure would be minimal due to always being in training, and hotels with the rest of the team. 

[cygan]

i dropped from 19th to 24th place and was only able to predict an exact result with the norwich vs. leicester city game and thus score 3 points
it can only get better in the next few weeks

[Betwrong]

From the most latest posts it may look like everyone dropped this weekend, but of course it can't be the case.

First off, congrats to @swogerino on remaining at the top!

And we surely have some winners this time:








Congrats guys!

[hilariousetc]

There's no games until the 11th now due to internationals. Maybe we can get two more players before then to get it up to 50. They'll be at the bottom of the table now though so it's less appealing to join. If anyone knows people who are already playing on Superbru their points will carry over if they join the pool so maybe tell them about it.

I also dropped by 11 places to number 14th on the leaderboard, I knew it was going to be an awful week.

I hate when the week result are filled with draws, and we had 5 draws this week, some were not so expected imo.. Congratulations to Hilarious for the winning the round, he often thrives with those draw picks.

I was surprised to win the yellow cap this round as I wasn't that confident with my choices but I guess going for draws paid off. There were a lot of games I really couldn't chose a winner on. I wonder how Ronaldo joining United will effect peoples predictions now? Will they have a title shot now? I think they'll certainly give City a run for their money. The Manchester derby is on the 6th of November so looking forward to that one.

[Welsh]

I wonder how Ronaldo joining United will effect peoples predictions now? Will they have a title shot now? I think they'll certainly give City a run for their money. The Manchester derby is on the 6th of November so looking forward to that one.

I bloody hope not. I don't want to see Manchester United winning the title ever let alone anytime soon. Undoubtedly, Ronaldo signing for United will change peoples perceptions, especially those that are fans of the club. I personally believe, and I'm trying to remove any bias from this prediction, that they'll finish either second or third.

 I think Chelsea at the moment are probably favourites, and you can never rule out Manchester City. Obviously, if I was to inject a little bias into it, I'd like to see Liverpool challenge for the title, but that's unlikely considering all of our rivals have strengthened, while we sat on our arse.  

[casperBGD]

~snip
I think Chelsea at the moment are probably favourites, and you can never rule out Manchester City. Obviously, if I was to inject a little bias into it, I'd like to see Liverpool challenge for the title, but that's unlikely considering all of our rivals have strengthened, while we sat on our arse.  

agree, title will be between Chelsea and Manchester duo, hardly anyone else
Ronaldo is a big boost for United, but it is not enough to make them clear favorite, even far from that

Chelsea seems as tough enough to get most derbies in their way, although they showed lacks at Anfield on weekend and that shadows a doubt above their constant good form, City will have a winning strike during season, and that could make a difference, could not see that strike for Chelsea and United, they are too 1:0 teams

[Harkorede]

I wonder how Ronaldo joining United will effect peoples predictions now? Will they have a title shot now? I think they'll certainly give City a run for their money. The Manchester derby is on the 6th of November so looking forward to that one.

I bloody hope not. I don't want to see Manchester United winning the title ever let alone anytime soon. Undoubtedly, Ronaldo signing for United will change peoples perceptions, especially those that are fans of the club. I personally believe, and I'm trying to remove any bias from this prediction, that they'll finish either second or third.

 I think Chelsea at the moment are probably favourites, and you can never rule out Manchester City. Obviously, if I was to inject a little bias into it, I'd like to see Liverpool challenge for the title, but that's unlikely considering all of our rivals have strengthened, while we sat on our arse.  

I'd agree with Chelsea being the favorites but only slightly, However, they'd need to beat City at their long term consistency to win the league, a slightly over average performance all season wouldn't do it, they have to be on their toes all season long, and Liverpool would also be keeping a really close tab as well, It's really going to be a competitive league this season, I'd say... I really don't see Man Utd in the picture when the season started, and I'm afraid the addition of Ronaldo doesn't change my perspective, yet.

[examplens]

From the most latest posts it may look like everyone dropped this weekend, but of course it can't be the case.

I was dropped from 24th to 19th place.  
I had four "close" results, where two exact results escaped me by one goal. Also for an unknown reason, I changed Burnley-Leeds from 1:1 (my first pick) to 2:2 and just lost some points

I'd agree with Chelsea being the favorites but only slightly, However, they'd need to beat City at their long term consistency to win the league, a slightly over average performance all season wouldn't do it, they have to be on their toes all season long, and Liverpool would also be keeping a really close tab as well, It's really going to be a competitive league this season, I'd say... I really don't see Man Utd in the picture when the season started, and I'm afraid the addition of Ronaldo doesn't change my perspective, yet.

Top 4, both Manchester clubs, Chelsea and Liverpool are probably the biggest favorites. if we count some very awkward teams like Leicester, West Ham, Tottenham, Wolves, every team from the top 4 will have  +/- 14 (Home/away) difficult games. It’s just hard to expect someone to make an unbeatable series here.
Plus, they participate in CL where they will have some more complicated games. I still don't see a clear favourite here.

[icopress]

In my opinion, there has been no such struggle for several years ... at least judging by the games at the beginning of the season and this summer's transfers.

So I would not rush to conclusions ... I would even add Tottenham to the favorite, not that it was important, but they are the only ones who have not lost a single game so far (including an important "point" after the game against City). Not to mention Kane's rage, which I think will make itself felt in the very near future. In addition, as sad as it may sound Ronaldo, Sancho and Varane now play for Manchester, which undoubtedly seriously tips the scales in his favor.

[Welsh]

Top 4, both Manchester clubs, Chelsea and Liverpool are probably the biggest favorites. if we count some very awkward teams like Leicester, West Ham, Tottenham, Wolves, every team from the top 4 will have  +/- 14 (Home/away) difficult games. It’s just hard to expect someone to make an unbeatable series here.
Plus, they participate in CL where they will have some more complicated games. I still don't see a clear favourite here.

West Ham have made good additions as of recent, however prior to that I didn't see them as much of a threat for top 4, and I probably still don't. I'm not doubting their first team, what I am doubting is their qualification for Europa League, and how that is going to effect things. I do believe they'll struggle to repeat what they did last season, despite having a decent start to the season.

If I was going to make a prediction for top 4 now that some of the clubs have made their transfers:

Chelsea
Manchester United
Manchester City
Liverpool

I'd obviously love to put Liverpool higher, but our depth isn't fantastic if we get any injuries. It's basically the opposite to what it was last season, where our defense was running thin, now we are a injury away from having to play Origi up front. In fact, Firminho picked up a muscle injury in the game against Chelsea.

I'd agree with Chelsea being the favorites but only slightly, However, they'd need to beat City at their long term consistency to win the league, a slightly over average performance all season wouldn't do it, they have to be on their toes all season long, and Liverpool would also be keeping a really close tab as well, It's really going to be a competitive league this season, I'd say... I really don't see Man Utd in the picture when the season started, and I'm afraid the addition of Ronaldo doesn't change my perspective, yet.

The reason I'm going for Chelsea is not completely down to their first team, but their strength in depth. That's what wins you titles, and it's one of the biggest reasons Manchester City have been able to consistently put up a challenge to defend their titles back to back. Liverpool, and Manchester Untied to an extent can't afford any injuries to certain positions. In fact, I'd argue that Manchester City hasn't got adequate cover for striker. Chelsea are the most complete team in the Premier League currently.

[DIA7]

Top 4, both Manchester clubs, Chelsea and Liverpool are probably the biggest favorites. if we count some very awkward teams like Leicester, West Ham, Tottenham, Wolves, every team from the top 4 will have  +/- 14 (Home/away) difficult games. It’s just hard to expect someone to make an unbeatable series here.
Plus, they participate in CL where they will have some more complicated games. I still don't see a clear favourite here.

West Ham have made good additions as of recent, however prior to that I didn't see them as much of a threat for top 4, and I probably still don't. I'm not doubting their first team, what I am doubting is their qualification for Europa League, and how that is going to effect things. I do believe they'll struggle to repeat what they did last season, despite having a decent start to the season.

If I was going to make a prediction for top 4 now that some of the clubs have made their transfers:

Chelsea
Manchester United
Manchester City
Liverpool

I'd obviously love to put Liverpool higher, but our depth isn't fantastic if we get any injuries. It's basically the opposite to what it was last season, where our defense was running thin, now we are a injury away from having to play Origi up front. In fact, Firminho picked up a muscle injury in the game against Chelsea.

I'd agree with Chelsea being the favorites but only slightly, However, they'd need to beat City at their long term consistency to win the league, a slightly over average performance all season wouldn't do it, they have to be on their toes all season long, and Liverpool would also be keeping a really close tab as well, It's really going to be a competitive league this season, I'd say... I really don't see Man Utd in the picture when the season started, and I'm afraid the addition of Ronaldo doesn't change my perspective, yet.

The reason I'm going for Chelsea is not completely down to their first team, but their strength in depth. That's what wins you titles, and it's one of the biggest reasons Manchester City have been able to consistently put up a challenge to defend their titles back to back. Liverpool, and Manchester Untied to an extent can't afford any injuries to certain positions. In fact, I'd argue that Manchester City hasn't got adequate cover for striker. Chelsea are the most complete team in the Premier League currently.

yeah this year Chelsea I looking to he the most complete team in the EPL their only spot that could have seen improvements is the Center back as they only have 3.
After selling Zouna to West Ham, Rudiger and Christiensen are good pair and most of the times they play with 3 CBs as they add Azpilicueta in the right it's not his natural position but he have proven that he can play there but their only problem is if one gets injured they have Thiago Silva who is closing on 37yo in a few weeks you cannot rely on him  on a series of games offcourse they still have Chalobah but he doesn't have enough experience especially in EPL my options is that they should kept zouma as he was more experienced and they can rely on him.