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

[un_rank]

Their owner is someone who loves to believe his team is one of those elite teams, but the reality is they are not - I don't need anybody to tell me this, but I already know he is going for both, which I believe is unrealistic and could lead to their relegation; two bad results and they're back where they started.

Do you think any team in that position can possibly not fully go for both?
It will be anticlimactic to get to the semi final of the Europa league and not play your strongest eleven or not be fully committed. It may backfire but you have to give it everything you got. That match against Villa and a possible final will the biggest match in the careers of most of the players there, how do you downplay that for them?

If I were the owner, my first aim would be to stay in the Premier League since it would be foolish to win Europa and play CL games from the championship - they should focus on surviving and staying in the league as they do not have enough squad depth to achieve both.

I did not consider that possibility. I will love to see that happen, it will be talked about for ages.

- Jay -

[buwaytress]

As much as I enjoy it when Liverpool suffers, the truth is that they need a better manager; the league is more exciting when more than two clubs compete for the title; the two-horse race is becoming boring..

This. I used to fantasise about Manure relegating back when they really were doing their best to be shit, but the bigger need is to have as many teams as possible playing good football. The best seasons are when there are three or more really good footballing teams that make me wonder which match to watch (other than my own). Liverpool-City battles were fun, because this was a new rivalry, but we need Chelsea to really step up, we need United to belong again. League titles will also taste sweeter.

P.S. It does feel like we're returning to turn-of-century league battles where 80 points is the golden milestone. The 90+ points haul from City and Liverpool was exciting while it lasted but it was never healthy for the rest of the chasing pack. I wondered if last year was the turning point (we won with 84) and it does seem to be the case with this season on track for even lower.

[xLays]

I thought I could get back to Top 1 again. But damn, Brentford M. Jensen scored in the 87th minute. My Superbru prediction was 2–0, but the final score ended up 2–1. That would’ve been 3 points for me if the final score is 2-0 and could’ve put me back at Top 1.
Still, it’s fine. At least Manchester United won, so I still got a slam point. There are only a few matchdays left and this pool is almost over. The Top 10 leaderboard is getting really tight now. A lot can still happen.

[BABY SHOES]

Man Utd vs Brentford is just about to kick off, I don’t think we will see any surprises here. I know Man Utd lost at home recently to Leeds but I think they will win tonight.

Would be good if they lost because it would make Liverpool move above them into 3rd on goal difference before we face them at Old Trafford on Sunday.

There were no surprises in the Man United vs Brentford match because we knew the Red Devils would win... now this team has won more with Carrick than Amorin, one win locks in qualification for the Champions League.

Next week Liverpool should fully see how the slot plays out again, Isak looks pretty good now that he's back from injury, it might be a challenging game... We won't be surprised if Liverpool lose.

[goodpunt]

They will definitely target it as much as they can, no team will enter a competition that gives them a chance to play UCL football and not give 100% on the pitch, it may not be enough, but they will give their all.

They have a comfortable 5 points cushion and while their remaining games are tough, so are all games at this stage in the season. I fancy them to remain in the EPL next season, but I do not see them winning the Europa League. If they do, it will be ironic for a team in relegation battle in the Premier League to win the Europa League back to back.

- Jay -

They will definitely target that now because looking at the conditions to get back to a decent position for them is very difficult so their target is the final and even the champion in this competition.
The Europa League semi-final is interesting because it will bring together 2 EPL representative clubs and honestly I expect Nottingham Forrest to make it to the final and win because it will be quite interesting to see Tottenham's case last season happen again this season :Ds

The scheme becomes ideal with 6 EPL club representatives in the Champions League if Nottingham Forrest can make history in the Europa League and Aston Villa can maintain its current position but this ideal can only happen if the semi-final belongs to Nottingham and of course this is not easy even though they know the strength system of Aston Villa but in the current condition Aston Villa is a little better.

Well my dream scenario is still that Forest will win the Europa League and gets relegated at the same time

I also agree with everything igebotz wrote.....Marinakis lives in his own world and his ambitions are legendary.

[leea-1334]

One of the worst errors Totenham management always commit is to think because they are between the so called "big six" they are gonna be between the top teams of the leagues always and most of the teams are gonna respect them, but what they didnt realize is nobopdy gives a shit about their status, all the people see them as one of the most coward teams in history and they behave like a little team not like a big one proud to be in the big six.

Yes,,, this is the mentality that got us where we are. Thinking we are elite and all that,,, when all we had was we were a London club. Which practically means nothing these days nobody cares you are from the capital unless you are a 'small' country.

Respect must be earned in football, and one way is to play good football, the other way is to win a lot. We just always felt it was the first way,,, but we never showed maturity in how to win things.

Then we did last season and we fired the coach,,, makes sense right?  

[un_rank]

Then we did last season and we fired the coach,,, makes sense right?  

To be fair to your management it was a very bad season for Ange even with the Europa trophy, he could have been giving sometime but I think they thought with the season frank had, that will be a signing to get your team to the next level. I think Spurs will still be in a relegation battle with Ange in charge.

Do you think Thomas Frank could have been given more time?

- Jay -

[igebotz]

we need Chelsea to really step up, we need United to belong again. League titles will also taste sweeter.
---
P.S. It does feel like we're returning to turn-of-century league battles where 80 points is the golden milestone. The 90+ points haul from City and Liverpool was exciting while it lasted but it was never healthy for the rest of the chasing pack. I wondered if last year was the turning point (we won with 84) and it does seem to be the case with this season on track for even lower.

Our owners said we're changing directions from next season so maybe the old Chelsea could be back - we didn't ask which direction; hope it doesn't go from bad to worse. Manchester United are looking more back with M. Carrick in charge; maybe some changes and that's all.

Both Arsenal and Manchester city need to win all the remaining games to surpass Anal Slut 85 points title winning season.

Pep and Klopp were dropping 80 and 90 points easily back to back.

Do you think Thomas Frank could have been given more time?

Wasn't Totteham on top of the league at some point this season when all the players were available? I remember Kudus tearing the league apart. The problem was not Thomas but the team itself. He's a good manager.

[leea-1334]

Then we did last season and we fired the coach,,, makes sense right?  

To be fair to your management it was a very bad season for Ange even with the Europa trophy, he could have been giving sometime but I think they thought with the season frank had, that will be a signing to get your team to the next level. I think Spurs will still be in a relegation battle with Ange in charge.

Do you think Thomas Frank could have been given more time?

- Jay -

For sure,,, both could have been given more time. Ange had a bad season but we got good prize money and Champions League football,,, his style needs a lot of time and the right players.

The lack of patience was just horrible,,, going for the replacement so fast shows badly, especially Igor Tudor my god what on earth was we thinking of! There is no future if we do not change our mentality.

[KTChampions]

There were no surprises in the Man United vs Brentford match because we knew the Red Devils would win... now this team has won more with Carrick than Amorin, one win locks in qualification for the Champions League.

Next week Liverpool should fully see how the slot plays out again, Isak looks pretty good now that he's back from injury, it might be a challenging game... We won't be surprised if Liverpool lose.

It seems like one point will be enough? And in any case, I doubt Brighton will get 12 points and United zero 
United v Liverpool will be a friendly overall but it will be nice to see Slot beaten again  It's funny that the Aston Villa vs. Tottenham game will decide the issue of relegation, not which team will be higher in the standings. I hope Aston Villa will show integrity and not give away points, Tottenham must earn their place in the Premier League fairly.

[BABY SHOES]

There were no surprises in the Man United vs Brentford match because we knew the Red Devils would win... now this team has won more with Carrick than Amorin, one win locks in qualification for the Champions League.

Next week Liverpool should fully see how the slot plays out again, Isak looks pretty good now that he's back from injury, it might be a challenging game... We won't be surprised if Liverpool lose.

It seems like one point will be enough? And in any case, I doubt Brighton will get 12 points and United zero 
United v Liverpool will be a friendly overall but it will be nice to see Slot beaten again  It's funny that the Aston Villa vs. Tottenham game will decide the issue of relegation, not which team will be higher in the standings. I hope Aston Villa will show integrity and not give away points, Tottenham must earn their place in the Premier League fairly.

1 point is enough for Man United.

Let Slot lose again to be fired from Anfield immediately, because the overall performance this season is also worse... I don't know if there is another chance from the manager.

Aston Villa will keep their integrity, will not let them lose at home, Spurs may try to win and their efforts will determine their fate.

[un_rank]

Wasn't Totteham on top of the league at some point this season when all the players were available? I remember Kudus tearing the league apart. The problem was not Thomas but the team itself. He's a good manager.

I do no remember them being top of the league, only somewhere in the top 4. Kudus was good, but I cannot remember a time any of their players was firing on all cylinders, except maybe for Kulusevski at the beginning.

I agree that the problem is the team, but how do they solve that, overhaul everybody? This is a changed squad from last season and the season before but still with the same problems.

For sure,,, both could have been given more time. Ange had a bad season but we got good prize money and Champions League football,,, his style needs a lot of time and the right players.

The lack of patience was just horrible,,, going for the replacement so fast shows badly, especially Igor Tudor my god what on earth was we thinking of! There is no future if we do not change our mentality.

The management feels they should not be where they are, changing things shows they are not just accepting their position but looking for ways to fix it.

- Jay -

[buwaytress]

we need Chelsea to really step up, we need United to belong again. League titles will also taste sweeter.
---
P.S. It does feel like we're returning to turn-of-century league battles where 80 points is the golden milestone. The 90+ points haul from City and Liverpool was exciting while it lasted but it was never healthy for the rest of the chasing pack. I wondered if last year was the turning point (we won with 84) and it does seem to be the case with this season on track for even lower.

Our owners said we're changing directions from next season so maybe the old Chelsea could be back - we didn't ask which direction; hope it doesn't go from bad to worse. Manchester United are looking more back with M. Carrick in charge; maybe some changes and that's all.

Both Arsenal and Manchester city need to win all the remaining games to surpass Anal Slut 85 points title winning season.

Pep and Klopp were dropping 80 and 90 points easily back to back.

Who knows, you go back to Zola days when Chelsea were genuinely fun to watch. I wouldn't even mind a return to Drogba days where you guys at least had a backbone. Watching them now (and honestly, Liverpool too at times) makes me feel like they belong on TikTok where they won't need to roll around from a soft touch.

I don't think we see 90 pointers soon either. Pep and Klopp philosophies don't do too well in a league that is increasingly falling in love with timewasting and drink breaks and fasting breaks and VAR interventions. The fasting one kills me extra. I fasted "in solidarity" with all my Muslim friends for years and none of us ever felt like we needed a drink so badly. And we played near the equator!

[igebotz]

I do no remember them being top of the league, only somewhere in the top 4. Kudus was good, but I cannot remember a time any of their players was firing on all cylinders, except maybe for Kulusevski at the beginning.

I agree that the problem is the team, but how do they solve that, overhaul everybody? This is a changed squad from last season and the season before but still with the same problems.

Kulusevski was firing last season, he's been out all season- I remember some part of this season when Totteham players were the most owned players in the FPL - Kudus and Johnson were having a fantastic season before things fell apart.

No, they don't need to overhaul the team; just flush out the injury prone players- they have too many on their list and sign a real striker ( Solanke and Richarlison are wash)

Who knows, you go back to Zola days when Chelsea were genuinely fun to watch. I wouldn't even mind a return to Drogba days where you guys at least had a backbone. Watching them now (and honestly, Liverpool too at times) makes me feel like they belong on TikTok where they won't need to roll around from a soft touch.

I don't think we see 90 pointers soon either. Pep and Klopp philosophies don't do too well in a league that is increasingly falling in love with timewasting and drink breaks and fasting breaks and VAR interventions. The fasting one kills me extra. I fasted "in solidarity" with all my Muslim friends for years and none of us ever felt like we needed a drink so badly. And we played near the equator!

I don't mind us going back to signing older experienced players on a big wages, use them for a few seasons, win trophies and send them to Saudi - that's the Chelsea style.

The whole drinking water of a thing is only for the camera; I mean players are allowed to drink water so what's the point of stopping a game mid way just to drink water that they're "allowed" to on normal days.

[un_rank]

Kulusevski was firing last season, he's been out all season- I remember some part of this season when Totteham players were the most owned players in the FPL - Kudus and Johnson were having a fantastic season before things fell apart.

No, they don't need to overhaul the team; just flush out the injury prone players- they have too many on their list and sign a real striker ( Solanke and Richarlison are wash)

I really cannot remember any part of Spurs in the early part of the season, just when they got into a relegation scrap.

If so many players are injured it could be an issue with their medical staff and not the players being injury prone, a couple is fine, but having an entire squad out for a period of time is worrying for their player management.

About their strikers, I think that is the quality of Spurs really, they were spoilt having Kane for such a long time. Bigger players will go for bigger clubs.
If Solanke and Richarlison can stay fit they can be very lethal with chances they get.

- Jay -

[igebotz]

I really cannot remember any part of Spurs in the early part of the season, just when they got into a relegation scrap.

If so many players are injured it could be an issue with their medical staff and not the players being injury prone, a couple is fine, but having an entire squad out for a period of time is worrying for their player management.

About their strikers, I think that is the quality of Spurs really, they were spoilt having Kane for such a long time. Bigger players will go for bigger clubs.
If Solanke and Richarlison can stay fit they can be very lethal with chances they get.

Hard luck on the injuries but Maddison, Solanke, Kulusevski and Richarlison are not the kind of players that give you 30+ match appearance a season; it way more about player's management and medical staff.

For the strikers; unavailability is liability

[KTChampions]

It seems like one point will be enough? And in any case, I doubt Brighton will get 12 points and United zero 
United v Liverpool will be a friendly overall but it will be nice to see Slot beaten again  It's funny that the Aston Villa vs. Tottenham game will decide the issue of relegation, not which team will be higher in the standings. I hope Aston Villa will show integrity and not give away points, Tottenham must earn their place in the Premier League fairly.

1 point is enough for Man United.

Let Slot lose again to be fired from Anfield immediately, because the overall performance this season is also worse... I don't know if there is another chance from the manager.

Aston Villa will keep their integrity, will not let them lose at home, Spurs may try to win and their efforts will determine their fate.

Lately I've been seeing more news about Mourinho's return to Real than just mentions of Slot, some shady guy, will he really stay?
The relegation odds are quite scary for Tottenham:

Tottenham - 1.72

West Ham - 2.25

Nottingham - 19.00

This isn't the season Tottenham fans expected when they slipped into the Champions League through the back door  But there is a chance to stay and additional indicators are currently in Tottenham's favor if they catch up with West Ham.

[BABY SHOES]

Lately I've been seeing more news about Mourinho's return to Real than just mentions of Slot, some shady guy, will he really stay?

He will stay... previously heard news from Liverpool management in any condition Slogan will be retained even though Xabi is unemployed.

The relegation odds are quite scary for Tottenham:

Tottenham - 1.72

West Ham - 2.25

Nottingham - 19.00

This isn't the season Tottenham fans expected when they slipped into the Champions League through the back door  But there is a chance to stay and additional indicators are currently in Tottenham's favor if they catch up with West Ham.

Tottenham's relegation chances are getting more and more favorable.
I think Tottenham can still catch up with West Ham only 2 points difference is actually not too big, which is a problem what about the mentality of the Tottenham players now? It becomes a burden on their psychological mind.

[Ryu_Ar1]

Lately I've been seeing more news about Mourinho's return to Real than just mentions of Slot, some shady guy, will he really stay?

I want him to go but it looks like Slot will stay at Liverpool but the latest news is that Richard Hughes is leaving and he might be going to the SPL next season.

The relegation odds are quite scary for Tottenham:

Tottenham - 1.72

West Ham - 2.25

Nottingham - 19.00

This isn't the season Tottenham fans expected when they slipped into the Champions League through the back door  But there is a chance to stay and additional indicators are currently in Tottenham's favor if they catch up with West Ham.

Injuries to several players have made their situation difficult and there's no doubt that this could have made their mentality drop even further.  4 matches left and there is still Aston Villa that could be troublesome as well as the London derby that they have to go through even though Chelsea is also currently still unclear in terms of performance but with Tottenham's current condition it will still be difficult for them.

[darxiaomi]

Just before we start a new round in this Premier LEague season i want to share with you a graph that i made about which teams are the better against the so called "big six", i know this year they are not being so good plus, Spurs are in relegation so a few teams had collected some extra points for surea gainst them. but here it is.

Premier League Whale Killers

Teams from outside of the "big six" who wins more points against them.

TEAM	PTS	GAMES	MEAN
Aston Villa	15	9	1.67
Bournemouth	16	11	1.45
Brighton	15	11	1.36
Nott'm Forest	12	10	1.20
Newcastle	14	12	1.17
Sunderland	10	10	1.00
Fulham	11	11	1.00
Leeds	10	11	0.91
Brentford	9	10	0.90
Crystal Palace	7	10	0.70
Everton	6	10	0.60
West Ham	6	11	0.55
Wolves	6	12	0.50
Burnley	4	11	0.36

You can find more like this in my new thread. Im still working on it but expect to see things like this one.
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