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

[notblox1]

Against my better judgement, I went with Arsenal to win in the pool.

Only a few seconds and Stones separated you from correct prediction
Congratulations to the winner of Round 5 in superbru, this was a massive difference and five exact predictions in this round, but darbit is still holding first place in leaderboard.
Big respect to Arsenal for holding the lead during whole second half with one player less after Trosard got a red card, but I didnt expect to see 4 goals in this match.

[jeremypwr]

Congrats to CryptopreneurBrainboss for winning the Round 5 Yellow Cap

[CryptopreneurBrainboss]

He does not need to have quick feet and exciting skills, that does not take him closer to scoring a goal. It is impressive to be so good at goal scoring that people start to find him boring.

He's a modern day striker, it was back then that strikers needed to be like R9, strikers of today just need to be like CR7 and they're good to go. It won't be bad if Haaland can work on his dribbling though so he can entertain us some times and not only giving us the stats.

Can haaland be depended on to carry the whole team? Sometimes, nothing is working and the team needed a player to take the ball and go all the way to get the team the goal, you can't count on haaland to do that. No long rang goals only close range.

He's getting the job done no doubt but there's no excitement in his games and that's why people find him boring. But boring works for him as he said, he wants to touch the ball 5 times and score 5 goals. (That mentality says it all).

[un_rank]

Only a few seconds and Stones separated you from correct prediction

Ipswich also snatched a correct result for me with their last minute. Those 4 points would have given me some breathing space, but I have had points handed to mw in the dying minutes of a game, so no complaints in that department. I rue the 2 points Arsenal dropped more than the 3 they cost me 

He's getting the job done no doubt but there's no excitement in his games and that's why people find him boring. But boring works for him as he said, he wants to touch the ball 5 times and score 5 goals. (That mentality says it all).

Yeah, he has Savinho and Doku on the wing to try and be skillful he just needs to do his job. It is a thing of preference, everyone has a style of player they like.
Congratulations on your monster round and the yellow cap.

- Jay -

[slaman29]

Even a goalkeeper can be great at many things, sweeper, distribution, leadership, teamwork, morale, discipline, that makes the team better and makes the fans enjoy etc.

Haaland is a good header, can finish with both feet, is fast and explosive, wins aerial battles, opens up space for his teamates by making runs. I do not see anything he can add to better his game, he is also disciplined, has teamwork and builds morale. He does not need to have quick feet and exciting skills, that does not take him closer to scoring a goal. It is impressive to be so good at goal scoring that people start to find him boring.

- Jay -

Again I'm not trashing Haaland, he is the best goalscorer in the world. And yes, you win games by scoring goals.

But scoring goals is not the only important thing to win leagues and titles consistently, while building a sustainable club that keeps having fans and people in love with them. I was offering my opinion, and why I am not AMAZED by him (I was never amazed by goal stats, otherwise this forum would have been talking about Shearer for years and years). This is not me shitting on him at all.

He's a great great guy, crazy striker of goals but he is not ever someone I would put in my team. That's all I say about him, and my explanation why, no need to feel bad about it, it's fine

Anyway, all the things I mentioned earlier has nothing to do with quick feet and exciting skills and self-discipline Leadership, discipline, morale is for the squad. Did you see what happened near the end yesterday for example? His team just equalized. Maybe you got one chance to win, but time is already over, what happens? He can run to center circle and force Arsenal to panic but what he did he threw the ball at Arsenal player's face (I couldn't see who). But that's not all. From kickoff, he ran right for the ball, knowing he would never get it, but that's fine, it's great except he just barged into 2 players needlessly, caused a scene and needed the whole team to intervene and calm him down, and Pep got a card.
I'm actually very shocked Haaland didn't get a card. Even in Manchester City news they said on a bad day it would be a red card. This is what I'm talking about

Haaland is a 95/100 player. But the missing 5/100 is the qualities I want in my footballers, who are probably 90/100 Please don't think I'm cherry picking

[un_rank]

Haaland is a 95/100 player. But the missing 5/100 is the qualities I want in my footballers, who are probably 90/100 Please don't think I'm cherry picking

I totally understand you, which is why in my last message, though not to you, I added it is a thing of preference and everyone has an opinion on it. I am personally not really wowed by the stats themselves, but his consistency in front of goal, how he drifts into space, how clinical he is when through on goal and look to have made up his mind long before the chance presents itself. It is the journey to those stats that I admire. He absolutely does not have to be everyone's cup of tea.

- Jay -

[notblox1]

Rodri could miss rest of the season for Man City after ACL injury against Arsenal, this can be a big blow.
Watch out for next rounds guys, many Premier League clubs are playing EFL Carabao cup this midweek and Man United is playing in Europa League with Twente.
I expect many substitutions and reserves playing more minutes in cup matches.

[cryptofrka]

Rodri's injury will really hurt City. They have cover for most positions, but Rodri was one of the best players in the world in the last 2 years.

His influence on the team is massive and it will be interesting to see how they react tactically to it.
Arsenal fans will like this, I have a feeling this evens out the title challenge a bit.

[Ryu_Ar1]

Rodri's injury will really hurt City. They have cover for most positions, but Rodri was one of the best players in the world in the last 2 years.

That's why Pep made some rotations especially for the young players when they played in smaller competitions like the EFL yesterday.
Rodri's position is now vital because after all, Rodri is one of the players who has always been an important part of the squad just like KDB considering these two players are the most central in midfield.

KDB is used as a more complex player for attack while Rodri is used as a defensive option and helps balance the midfield. Now the loss of Rodri could have an effect but there are several players who are likely to be projected to fill in. Kovavic could be an option but when they want younger Rico Lewis or O'reilly could be projected although Rico Lewis is a right-back by trade but he could also be used as a defensive midfielder when there are no other options for Pep.

[notblox1]

Rodri's injury will really hurt City. They have cover for most positions, but Rodri was one of the best players in the world in the last 2 years.

Knee ligament injury is now confirmed but it is still not clear how long he is going to be out of the team.
Guardiola said that Rodri is irreplaceable and I not sure they can continue on top level in all fronts.
Gundogan and Kovacic can play in his position, but maybe Guardiola will have to buy another player in next transfer window.
Maybe this will make Liverpool, Arsenal, Aston Villa and other teams more competitive.

[Igebotz]

Rodri's injury will really hurt City. They have cover for most positions, but Rodri was one of the best players in the world in the last 2 years.

His influence on the team is massive and it will be interesting to see how they react tactically to it.
Arsenal fans will like this, I have a feeling this evens out the title challenge a bit.

Has there been a game that they won comfortably without him? Surely, it will be a long season for them, but Manchester City's season usually starts in December. The team is used to missing Rodri and KDB for a portion of each season and still finding a way to reduce the gap and stay in contention before their return.

@un_rank I'm sure you're wishing you didn't go against Palmer and Jackson on our side bet.

[BitcoinGirl.Club]

City! I was not expecting the result.




I would like to know what was in your head ? hosseinimr93 and un_rank.

[Rikafip]

Gundogan and Kovacic can play in his position, but maybe Guardiola will have to buy another player in next transfer window.

I didn't watch much of Barcelona last season, so I'm not really sure how he played there, but Gundogan is nowhere near as good as he was before he left City, and it shows. Another player who is underperforming is Walker. He should have been benched, as he has been a liability the entire season. Today's game against Newcastle was a good example of that.

Has there been a game that they won comfortably without him?

I am not sure what you consider a comfortable win but they looked pretty solid few first games of the season with Kovacic playing at his position.

[un_rank]

@un_rank I'm sure you're wishing you didn't go against Palmer and Jackson on our side bet.

Your boys have been firing on all cylinders, especially Jackson, he really is shutting the doubters up. I wish you guys have gotten either Osimhen or Toney now.

I would like to know what was in your head ? hosseinimr93 and un_rank.

Just a lucky pick. I had City to win 1 - 2, but only changed that after the Rodri injury was confirmed, still just a lucky call. Newcastle could have possibly won the game and Hhampuz would have been the lucky chap.

- Jay -

[BitcoinGirl.Club]

Just a lucky pick. I had City to win 1 - 2, but only changed that after the Rodri injury was confirmed, still just a lucky call. Newcastle could have possibly won the game and Hhampuz would have been the lucky chap.

I would not dare to change my mind even if Haaland was not in the playing 11. You have a brave heart LOL

[buwaytress]

Man, I can't believe I spent the last 30 minutes watching Everton. Had some kind of feeling they would get a win today, though that probably has got something to do with me watching DCL. They were so horrible, I can't explain. Pickford is a long-limbed octopus that forgot he has arms. The defence plays with the belief of a team that led by 2 goals to lose in two consecutive games. Man. If casperBGD were still around, he'd be struggling for words. I really actually think they might get something out of actually losing the relegation battle this season. A hard reset in the Championship.

Seems I missed the goalfest at Stamford Bridge too. Of all the days not to watch what should have been the best game on paper... @Igebotz wow Palmer.

[hosseinimr93]

I would like to know what was in your head ? hosseinimr93 and un_rank.

I went for "Newcastle not to lose" in BSFL and here in Premier league pool, I went for a draw, because I didn't want my predictions to conflict with each other.
It was a good start in round 6, but my overall ranking is still very bad.

[notblox1]

I would have better results with my Premier League predictions this week if I did them with my eyes closed  
I collected only 3 points from seven matches played, so I need to try and improve in next three matches.

Good job Newcastle for holding Man City today, it was bad day for Haaland, and this result was after effect of Rodri injury.
Liverpool on the top now.

[Igebotz]

I didn't watch much of Barcelona last season, so I'm not really sure how he played there, but Gundogan is nowhere near as good as he was before he left City, and it shows. Another player who is underperforming is Walker. He should have been benched, as he has been a liability the entire season. Today's game against Newcastle was a good example of that.

They let a good backup ( Cancelo)  through the door, his attitude sucks but the talents are there, can't blame Pep for letting him go, there's a reason no manager wants him.

I am not sure what you consider a comfortable win but they looked pretty solid few first games of the season with Kovacic playing at his position.

Finishing game before 60mins is my definition of "comfortable" win in this context.

Enzo Maresca has changed my life - what's this superb team he's building before my eyes. I will be there no matter what.

[buwaytress]

Enzo Maresca has changed my life - what's this superb team he's building before my eyes. I will be there no matter what.

Just keep on scoring for fun and I'll enjoy it too. Chelsea won titles with the most miserly defence I ever witnessed in my life. But if they get Champions League while scoring for fun, I won't care about anything else.

We'll need more of you like this once Citeh get relegated anyway