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

[cryptofrka]

Brazil are being petty AF, embarrassing behaviour by them to be honest. Puts us (LFC) in a crappy situation ahead of a tough away game against Leeds. Oh well, they’ll be missing Raphinha who is a good player. I think the sanction is a 3-0 loss if a team plays an ineligible player. Not sure how they’d punish both teams in that situation.

It’ll be interesting to see how this develops. I imagine all the PL clubs will cooperate to try & fight this. Brazil is on the red list for UK travellers so I think there could be a legal case to fight this.

Yep, for sure. The clubs are following England's general health recommendations, it's not like they are not letting players leave for some silly reason.
The rule itself is really stupid under current circumstances and FIFA should be the one that puts an end to this and says that global pandemic situation is above it. I mean, they postponed the Euros because of Covid, things like these should not even be discussed.

It is not just these games, there are additional qualifiers in October and November and if Brazil decides to play hardball and FIFA allows them to do so, it will cause a lot of problems for English clubs, mostly Liverpool.

[examplens]

Brazil are being petty AF, embarrassing behaviour by them to be honest. Puts us (LFC) in a crappy situation ahead of a tough away game against Leeds. Oh well, they’ll be missing Raphinha who is a good player. I think the sanction is a 3-0 loss if a team plays an ineligible player. Not sure how they’d punish both teams in that situation.

It’ll be interesting to see how this develops. I imagine all the PL clubs will cooperate to try & fight this. Brazil is on the red list for UK travellers so I think there could be a legal case to fight this.

absolutely pointless. Clubs pay huge salaries to the players, it would certainly have to be respected. There may also be a legal basis to seek compensation from FIFA for all non-playing time.
Clubs will not be happy with that, but FIFA only understands the language of money.

[casperBGD]

~snip
There may also be a legal basis to seek compensation from FIFA for all non-playing time.
Clubs will not be happy with that, but FIFA only understands the language of money.

must say that I doubt that clubs could seek compensation from FIFA, all player contracts probably have this clause or similar, that contract must align with FIFA/UEFA rules and that clause probably define what FIFA could/cannot do, I do not think that they do it blindly (could be proved wrong, but I doubt it)

on the other hand, yes it is harsh on Liverpool, but obviously not that harsh on other clubs, so I do not see that they will all fight it to back-up Liverpool, maybe I just do not see unity within EPL clubs, but when money is involved, I do not think that there is much fair-play as well, Leeds would probably sustain from helping it and tried to convince others to do the same, to get points on weekend

[cryptofrka]

It is a broader problem. Today Brazil is on the red list so it's Liverpool's problem, tomorrow it might be Argentina and then it's somebody else's.

The rule itself is good, it gives national teams priority in normal situations. If a player is called up, the club has to release him - no matter the schedule. But in situations like these there must be room for some compromise - the players would have to quarantine upon return and be unavailable for training for the next 10 days. In professional sport that is unacceptable and the clubs are right to keep the players from leaving.

[icopress]

absolutely pointless. Clubs pay huge salaries to the players, it would certainly have to be respected. There may also be a legal basis to seek compensation from FIFA for all non-playing time. Clubs will not be happy with that, but FIFA only understands the language of money.

While we are talking about this, I want to ask ... does anyone know the tax rate for foreign players in the Premier League?

As far as I understand, Messi ^{[for comparison]} will give 40% of his income to the French budget, how much will Ronaldo/Lukaku give in that case?

[hilariousetc]

18 people still need to do their pics. Anyone know if Ronaldo is starting this weekend? If he is I might stick a couple extra goals on my prediction.

Brazil are being petty AF, embarrassing behaviour by them to be honest. Puts us (LFC) in a crappy situation ahead of a tough away game against Leeds. Oh well, they’ll be missing Raphinha who is a good player. I think the sanction is a 3-0 loss if a team plays an ineligible player. Not sure how they’d punish both teams in that situation.

It’ll be interesting to see how this develops. I imagine all the PL clubs will cooperate to try & fight this. Brazil is on the red list for UK travellers so I think there could be a legal case to fight this.

absolutely pointless. Clubs pay huge salaries to the players, it would certainly have to be respected. There may also be a legal basis to seek compensation from FIFA for all non-playing time.
Clubs will not be happy with that, but FIFA only understands the language of money.

So none of the Brazilian players will be playing? Might have to rethink my Leeds/Liverpool pick if not because missing Firmino, Alisson and Fabinho will have an impact.

absolutely pointless. Clubs pay huge salaries to the players, it would certainly have to be respected. There may also be a legal basis to seek compensation from FIFA for all non-playing time. Clubs will not be happy with that, but FIFA only understands the language of money.

While we are talking about this, I want to ask ... does anyone know the tax rate for foreign players in the Premier League?

As far as I understand, Messi ^{[for comparison]} will give 40% of his income to the French budget, how much will Ronaldo/Lukaku give in that case?

If you're in the highest paying tax bracket (which PL footballers will be) then it'll be 40%.

[icopress]

18 people still need to do their pics. Anyone know if Ronaldo is starting this weekend? If he is I might stick a couple extra goals on my prediction.

I think yes ... judging by the fact that Ronaldo has not participated in the last matches for the national team, it can be assumed that he is preparing for the weekend. Perhaps I am wrong, but it is unlikely that he took himself a couple of weeks of rest literally right after the closing of the transfer window.

If you're in the highest paying tax bracket (which PL footballers will be) then it'll be 40%.

For some reason I thought that the tax rate is less than in France, since the PL is the world's leading league (in the context of benefits).

[Trofo]

18 people still need to do their pics. Anyone know if Ronaldo is starting this weekend? If he is I might stick a couple extra goals on my prediction.

I think yes ... judging by the fact that Ronaldo has not participated in the last matches for the national team, it can be assumed that he is preparing for the weekend. Perhaps I am wrong, but it is unlikely that he took himself a couple of weeks of rest literally right after the closing of the transfer window.

His statement was something like that he is missing national team games to train with his new club and better prepare for Newcastle game. Therefore, I am quite sure he is playing against Newcastle and taking all direct set pieces and penalties from Fernandez. Have to be on top of news like that since I am playing PL fantasy. There is mass exodus from Fernadez to Ronaldo at the moment.

[slaman29]

Brazil are being petty AF, embarrassing behaviour by them to be honest. Puts us (LFC) in a crappy situation ahead of a tough away game against Leeds. Oh well, they’ll be missing Raphinha who is a good player. I think the sanction is a 3-0 loss if a team plays an ineligible player. Not sure how they’d punish both teams in that situation.

It’ll be interesting to see how this develops. I imagine all the PL clubs will cooperate to try & fight this. Brazil is on the red list for UK travellers so I think there could be a legal case to fight this.

This was so ridiculous. I'm not even a Liverpool fan but this was a petty thing to punish the team. Remember the Brazil Argentina game where the officials just came on to the pitch to arrest Argentinian players? That sort of avoidable drama was just what they wanted and for sure even planned the entire time all along.

English FA is united so let's hope they just deny FIFA and show their unity.

[Welsh]

Brazil are being petty AF, embarrassing behaviour by them to be honest. Puts us (LFC) in a crappy situation ahead of a tough away game against Leeds. Oh well, they’ll be missing Raphinha who is a good player. I think the sanction is a 3-0 loss if a team plays an ineligible player. Not sure how they’d punish both teams in that situation.

It’ll be interesting to see how this develops. I imagine all the PL clubs will cooperate to try & fight this. Brazil is on the red list for UK travellers so I think there could be a legal case to fight this.

Yeah, might be worth putting a 3-0 prediction either way, just in case one of the teams decides to ignore FIFA . Nah in all seriousness, I'm hoping that there's progress made, and an announcement that we can field those players. It's a ridiculous decision by FIFA, but should I expect any better from them? Although, if this did go to court, I image that the teams/players would win, since there's unprecedented circumstances with the pandemic, and I would like to think that the Health Board recommendations are far more important than what FIFA try to instill in the competition.

I'm holding off on my prediction review, until there's some sort of confirmation hopefully about this situation.

[buwaytress]

Put all my picks in, going for a super-scoring weekend;)

It’ll be interesting to see how this develops. I imagine all the PL clubs will cooperate to try & fight this. Brazil is on the red list for UK travellers so I think there could be a legal case to fight this.

Yeah, odds changed as well. Took an early bet before international break and best odds was just above 16/10, but after all that drama, closer now to 18/10.

Will be some quality missing from this match without those 4 Brazilians but I'm still hoping for a lot of entertainment served up. Definitely would like to see some solidarity from the English FA about this. These aren't at all regular circumstances and as cryptofrka puts it, this isn't a Liverpool or Leeds problem. Next break, it could be any other country abroad doing this if precedent is allowed.

[Harkorede]

Put all my picks in, going for a super-scoring weekend;)

It’ll be interesting to see how this develops. I imagine all the PL clubs will cooperate to try & fight this. Brazil is on the red list for UK travellers so I think there could be a legal case to fight this.

Yeah, odds changed as well. Took an early bet before international break and best odds was just above 16/10, but after all that drama, closer now to 18/10.

Will be some quality missing from this match without those 4 Brazilians but I'm still hoping for a lot of entertainment served up. Definitely would like to see some solidarity from the English FA about this. These aren't at all regular circumstances and as cryptofrka puts it, this isn't a Liverpool or Leeds problem. Next break, it could be any other country abroad doing this if precedent is allowed.

Super-scoring weekend ? where on earth did you get that impression from, I'm of the opinion that's it not going to an goal-fest weekend, even though the heavy favorites are almost all facing less stronger teams, I just assumed the break would take it's toll on the players, I'll likely be leaving my picks within the range of 2 or at most 3 goals.

[cygan]

have my predictions for the complete next matchday now also submitted and have as always from the instinct typed the results.
must slowly make some points so that i do not miss the connection to the top 10
no matter if the brazilians are there or not - every game takes 90 minutes and the round has to be in the square

[swogerino]

I put my scores in for this day,tomorrow I put the remaining game and after tomorrow the same,I like to predict only the games of a day first.However I have put scores low on goals which I know can be costly because the stronger teams are all playing against really weak ones this time.My max score is in the Manchester United game where I predict a lot of goals happening.

[NotATether]

BRAZILIANS CLEARED TO PLAY FOR EPL CLUBS (The Guardian)

Well, this is good news, because FIFA has reversed, at Brazil's request, the 5-day ban for Brazilians to play in the EPL (this will also apply to champions league, EFL games, and others). That means Liverpool and Man City among others get to have their players back.

Also, there are reports going around about a rumor that the UK will change the rules about red-list country quarantine (source), which should mean these kind of incidents shouldn't happen in the future.

"On 8 September 2021, the FIFA President, The FA Interim Chair and Premier League Chair sent a joint letter to the UK Prime Minister. The UK government is now open to find a reasonable solution with the three organisations, who are working closely together in a spirit of mutual understanding, in the interests of everyone."

Good news all around  

Also, Paraguay and Chile have withdrawn their ban requests (Mexico had already withdrawn theirs).

[hilariousetc]

Put all my picks in, going for a super-scoring weekend;)

It’ll be interesting to see how this develops. I imagine all the PL clubs will cooperate to try & fight this. Brazil is on the red list for UK travellers so I think there could be a legal case to fight this.

Yeah, odds changed as well. Took an early bet before international break and best odds was just above 16/10, but after all that drama, closer now to 18/10.

Will be some quality missing from this match without those 4 Brazilians but I'm still hoping for a lot of entertainment served up. Definitely would like to see some solidarity from the English FA about this. These aren't at all regular circumstances and as cryptofrka puts it, this isn't a Liverpool or Leeds problem. Next break, it could be any other country abroad doing this if precedent is allowed.

Super-scoring weekend ? where on earth did you get that impression from, I'm of the opinion that's it not going to an goal-fest weekend, even though the heavy favorites are almost all facing less stronger teams, I just assumed the break would take it's toll on the players, I'll likely be leaving my picks within the range of 2 or at most 3 goals.

I think there could be three plus goals in the Leicester/City, Man U v Newcastle and Leeds V Liverpool games. I've gone for 3-0 on the Man U game but if Ronaldo is starting I might add another one or two on there. Games like Brentford V Brighton, Watford/Wolves and Southampton/West Ham could be bore draws though and I don't expect many goals if any if those ones.

BRAZILIANS CLEARED TO PLAY FOR EPL CLUBS (The Guardian)

Well, this is good news, because FIFA has reversed, at Brazil's request, the 5-day ban for Brazilians to play in the EPL (this will also apply to champions league, EFL games, and others). That means Liverpool and Man City among others get to have their players back.

Not good news for Leeds, though at least they get Raphina back.

[buwaytress]

Super-scoring weekend ? where on earth did you get that impression from, I'm of the opinion that's it not going to an goal-fest weekend, even though the heavy favorites are almost all facing less stronger teams, I just assumed the break would take it's toll on the players, I'll likely be leaving my picks within the range of 2 or at most 3 goals.

I dunno. Arsenal hungry for a first win and looking to get it versus Norwich? Chelsea hoping to get the full points and stay close to Spurs? Leeds Liverpool was 4-3 last season, lest we forget?

Sportsbet had a 288/1 special on all teams below 2.5 goals though so you're not alone in thinking it'll be a dull weekend.

Well, this is good news, because FIFA has reversed, at Brazil's request, the 5-day ban for Brazilians to play in the EPL

Finally, sensible decisions were made, wonder if they felt isolated when all their neighbours also withdrew their requests.

[Harkorede]

Tottenham losing by 3 goals to Crystal Palace!

Tottenham shambles is another way to start the week, at least it's comforting that no one went for Palace, I only feel for the 4 users that took the risk with the draw.  Any more drama to expected ?

[DireWolfM14]

I think there could be three plus goals in the Leicester/City, Man U v Newcastle and Leeds V Liverpool games. I've gone for 3-0 on the Man U game but if Ronaldo is starting I might add another one or two on there. Games like Brentford V Brighton, Watford/Wolves and Southampton/West Ham could be bore draws though and I don't expect many goals if any if those ones.

Scoreless first half in almost all the matches, except (of course) Renaldo comes through in stoppage time.  ManU is looking pretty good, lots of opportunities in the first half.  I could see a couple more goals in the second for United.

Arsenal hungry for a first win and looking to get it versus Norwich? Chelsea hoping to get the full points and stay close to Spurs? Leeds Liverpool was 4-3 last season, lest we forget?

I hope Arsenal get 3 points today, the match is subscription only in my market and I'm not seeing any highlights yet.  Go Gunners!

I predict wins for Chelsea and LFC, but I also expect Leeds to make things interesting. 

Tottenham losing by 3 goals to Crystal Palace!

Big upset for the Spurs, none of us saw that coming.  They just imploded in the the last 15 minutes and Palace took advantage.  Otherwise that was a pretty boring game for the first 75.

[Harkorede]

Put all my picks in, going for a super-scoring weekend;)

It’ll be interesting to see how this develops. I imagine all the PL clubs will cooperate to try & fight this. Brazil is on the red list for UK travellers so I think there could be a legal case to fight this.

Yeah, odds changed as well. Took an early bet before international break and best odds was just above 16/10, but after all that drama, closer now to 18/10.

Will be some quality missing from this match without those 4 Brazilians but I'm still hoping for a lot of entertainment served up. Definitely would like to see some solidarity from the English FA about this. These aren't at all regular circumstances and as cryptofrka puts it, this isn't a Liverpool or Leeds problem. Next break, it could be any other country abroad doing this if precedent is allowed.

Super-scoring weekend ? where on earth did you get that impression from, I'm of the opinion that's it not going to an goal-fest weekend, even though the heavy favorites are almost all facing less stronger teams, I just assumed the break would take it's toll on the players, I'll likely be leaving my picks within the range of 2 or at most 3 goals.

I think there could be three plus goals in the Leicester/City, Man U v Newcastle and Leeds V Liverpool games. I've gone for 3-0 on the Man U game but if Ronaldo is starting I might add another one or two on there. Games like Brentford V Brighton, Watford/Wolves and Southampton/West Ham could be bore draws though and I don't expect many goals if any if those ones.

I guess I was right after all, Ronaldo is the only difference for all 3 pm games at halftime, If not all 6 fixtures would have ended goalless.

Arsenal hungry for a first win and looking to get it versus Norwich? Chelsea hoping to get the full points and stay close to Spurs? Leeds Liverpool was 4-3 last season, lest we forget?

I hope Arsenal get 3 points today, the match is subscription only in my market and I'm not seeing any highlights yet.  Go Gunners!

Arsenal are playing with quite some urgency, and I'll still tip them to get their first win today..