Premier League Prediction Thread 2023/2024

[tusandii]

International breaks always bring disaster and Manchester City definitely feels disadvantaged because one of their mainstay players has suffered an injury. I think maybe Kyle Walker is quite bad because previously he rarely got injured. Last night's friendly match against Brazil also saw England lose by a narrow score at Wembley. Again, this is a serious problem that Manchester City must experience and at a time when the title competition is getting fiercer, they have lost a fast wing defender and I doubt Pep Guardiola can find a replacement commensurate with his abilities.

Moreover, not only in the EPL title competition but the Champions League is also equally important where Manchester City will face Real Madrid and in the absence of Kyle Walker, Vinicius will be smiling broadly. We know that only Kyle Walker can stop Vinicius' agile movements and that is a loss that is very difficult to cover. Pep Guadiola is really tested by this news and he must be ready to rotate his players before the important matches in these two important active competitions start again.

Yes, it is bad news for every club to hear that their player was injured while defending their country. Indeed, this is not an intentional mistake because we never know when bad luck will befall us. Kyle Walker also doesn't want to experience bad things like this, but what can we do, this cannot be avoided and the club must accept whatever the situation is and this should not be a surprise. The club should already understand the risks that will be borne.

All the matches that Man City faces are all important but Peo Guardiola is a coach who is good at rotating players and implementing good strategies. The most important thing is that Man City's main players don't get injured so it is still safe for Man City.

[Palakka]

Arteta does have to work extra to match Manchester City because after all, Manchester City is very consistent in its matches, I mean it doesn't always make blunders in pursuit of victory, we will see how Arsenal can maintain its position at the top of the table and how Manchester City can win the match for three points to stay in the competition at the top of the table, we know City is a Lion in addition to being at home, of course it will benefit Manchester City.

Yes, of course Klopp expects the Man City vs Arsenal match to end in a draw, but Liverpool will compete against Brighton, I know Brighton is also quite strong, but I am much more confident that Liverpool will get 3 points in the match against Brighton.

Yes this season will be a tough test for Arteta to be able to deliver something that Arsenal fans have long coveted namely the Trophy, but it is not easy for Arteta to make that happen when they have to compete with Liverpool and Manchester City, what you say is true because after all this is a crucial time for Arteta and he must be able to bring out all the skills to be able to give his best for Arsenal, so far the pupil have beaten the teacher in their first game of the season, and it is important for pupil (arteta) to beat teacher (Pep Guardiola) again in the second meeting this weekend to keep Arsenal's chances of winning the trophy this season alive.

Honestly for the Liverpool and Brighton matches, I personally might see Brighton will be able to surprise Liverpool in the match later, indeed so far the draw between Manchester City and Arsenal is what Liverpool expect, but they should be more focused on winning the game against Brighton which has often given nightmares to Liverpool no matter it is home or away and my prediction Liverpool and Brighton may also have the potential to draw the game later.

[Xcode7]

Yes this season will be a tough test for Arteta to be able to deliver something that Arsenal fans have long coveted namely the Trophy, but it is not easy for Arteta to make that happen when they have to compete with Liverpool and Manchester City, what you say is true because after all this is a crucial time for Arteta and he must be able to bring out all the skills to be able to give his best for Arsenal, so far the pupil have beaten the teacher in their first game of the season, and it is important for pupil (arteta) to beat teacher (Pep Guardiola) again in the second meeting this weekend to keep Arsenal's chances of winning the trophy this season alive.

Honestly for the Liverpool and Brighton matches, I personally might see Brighton will be able to surprise Liverpool in the match later, indeed so far the draw between Manchester City and Arsenal is what Liverpool expect, but they should be more focused on winning the game against Brighton which has often given nightmares to Liverpool no matter it is home or away and my prediction Liverpool and Brighton may also have the potential to draw the game later.

Arteta went through a situation like this last season and they failed, but what has passed can be used as a valuable lesson so that it doesn't happen again this season.
Competing with Manchester City and Liverpool is not an easy thing because these two teams have a much better mentality than Arsenal, but they should not be favored. Arsenal could be a turning point for them to prove it.

The match against Manchester City will be everything for Arsenal for their mentality and self-confidence. I am sure that if Arsenal succeeds in winning this match, the confidence of the Arenal players will increase drastically.

I don't think Brighton will be able to hold back Liverpool's progress, surprises are possible but we also have to look realistically if Liverpool's performance is much better and they have much greater motivation because the Liverpool team is competing fiercely in the race for the title this season.

[Docnaster]

Arteta does have to work extra to match Manchester City because after all, Manchester City is very consistent in its matches, I mean it doesn't always make blunders in pursuit of victory, we will see how Arsenal can maintain its position at the top of the table and how Manchester City can win the match for three points to stay in the competition at the top of the table, we know City is a Lion in addition to being at home, of course it will benefit Manchester City.

Yes, of course Klopp expects the Man City vs Arsenal match to end in a draw, but Liverpool will compete against Brighton, I know Brighton is also quite strong, but I am much more confident that Liverpool will get 3 points in the match against Brighton.

Yes this season will be a tough test for Arteta to be able to deliver something that Arsenal fans have long coveted namely the Trophy, but it is not easy for Arteta to make that happen when they have to compete with Liverpool and Manchester City, what you say is true because after all this is a crucial time for Arteta and he must be able to bring out all the skills to be able to give his best for Arsenal, so far the pupil have beaten the teacher in their first game of the season, and it is important for pupil (arteta) to beat teacher (Pep Guardiola) again in the second meeting this weekend to keep Arsenal's chances of winning the trophy this season alive.

Honestly for the Liverpool and Brighton matches, I personally might see Brighton will be able to surprise Liverpool in the match later, indeed so far the draw between Manchester City and Arsenal is what Liverpool expect, but they should be more focused on winning the game against Brighton which has often given nightmares to Liverpool no matter it is home or away and my prediction Liverpool and Brighton may also have the potential to draw the game later.

Mikel Arteta became the manager of Arsenal football club on 20th of December 2019 and despite his failure to win the English Premier League title since he became the club manager, there's no doubt to the fact that he's been a fantastic coach for the Gunners. The only major trophy he's won for the club is the English FA Cup trophy but he helped the club finish as runners up to league  winners Manchester City last season in the English Premier League and I think he's very capable of helping Arsenal win the English Premier League title at the end of the current season.
The reason why many people aren't considering Arsenal as a major contender for the league title is because last season, they spent more duration at the top of the English Premier League table  more than any other side but still failed to win it but I think they've improved from their performance of last season and that's why I'll continue to see them as a major contender for the league title until it's mathematically impossible for them to win it this season

[BitcoinHunt3r]

I think Man City is also in the title race, however the next match between Arsenal vs Man City would be a decisive match that would determine the likely winner of the league between Arsenal and Liverpool because if Arsenal wins that would limit the chances of Man City but if Man City wins that means the three clubs would continue to fight till the last day of the league considering the small gap in points between the three clubs, though I quite agreed that the present Man City is not as formidable as the previous season squad but we should also give the club a chance too.

Of course Manchester City are still in the race and even they are a favorite team based on Sportsbook predictions obviously Sportsbook has a reason why to favorite Manchester City, but yeah as you said we have to wait for the match between Manchester City vs Arsenal on March 31 the results of this match will determine who among those who are closer with the title. Indeed, so far Arsenal is the most consistent team for winning 7 consecutive matches but here Manchester City should not be underestimated, especially when they play at home.

Liverpool are also waiting for the results of this important match as a team in the second place they did not expect one of them to win because it will leave Liverpool further this means that Liverpool want both teams to draw so that Liverpool can take over the standings. Liverpool may be a little safer in the next few weeks but when towards the end of the season Liverpool will face many strong teams.

[bestcoins1]

This is just the truth, international breaks means more games for footballers, and more games means less fitness and more chances of getting injured as well. When will the football governing council remember that footballers are not robots!

Also not only Walker, Bruno of Manchester United also was given permission to leave the Portugal squad and also instructed by Manchester united not to return for holiday yet, compulsory holiday to recou more energies haha

Arsenal forcing players to withdraw this round of friendlies seem like the best decision so far.

I think Arsenal have also made a fairly wise decision for all their players by making this cancellation, because they are quite aware that the next match in the Premier League will be against a fairly strong team. So you have to really maintain the fitness of the key players from now on as well as using the time to create new strategies so they can win at their opponent's home ground later. Because in the remainder of this season, with the level of competition being so fierce, it will be quite crucial for each team if their key players are injured due to the many matches they have played.

[Oluwa-btc]

Kyle Walker limped off during the England vs Brazil game last night. He seemed to pick up a hamstring injury, far from ideal with a huge game in the title race coming up next weekend -

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/breaking-man-city-dealt-kyle-28876269.amp

Sad tidings... Manchester City fans, Josep Pep Guardiola and his teammates would be worried ahead of the clash they have against Arsenal come next weekend.
He has been a great player this season both in the Premier League Competition and also the Champions League Competition, the Champions League Competition is yet another place he'll be missed if hmthe injury from yesterday would be something serious. The doctors and medical team would be reporting to Pep Guardiola before mid-week so he can focus on starting Lewis tuw youngin.

Having Kyle Walker absent means that that left wing would be well used by Trossad who has also shown massive development sikce he's been getting enough game time.
Still perplexed by the claims of Gareth Southgate being linked with Manchester United. He is not that man, in between no English Coach has ever won the Premier League Competition, No? Southgate should not be landed that job.

[hahay]

This is just the truth, international breaks means more games for footballers, and more games means less fitness and more chances of getting injured as well. When will the football governing council remember that footballers are not robots!

Also not only Walker, Bruno of Manchester United also was given permission to leave the Portugal squad and also instructed by Manchester united not to return for holiday yet, compulsory holiday to recou more energies haha

Arsenal forcing players to withdraw this round of friendlies seem like the best decision so far.

I think Arsenal have also made a fairly wise decision for all their players by making this cancellation, because they are quite aware that the next match in the Premier League will be against a fairly strong team. So you have to really maintain the fitness of the key players from now on as well as using the time to create new strategies so they can win at their opponent's home ground later. Because in the remainder of this season, with the level of competition being so fierce, it will be quite crucial for each team if their key players are injured due to the many matches they have played.

Considering the situation that occurs in the title race then ofcourse, it is appropriate for players who are in the top three teams currently get time to rest. Of course, with key players who should get time to rest at thistime of the season break, it is clear to avoid injuries that can occur at any time. Because after all, there have been many cases when key players play for their national team and get injured, then the impact will be bad for the team's performance. Moreover,they also still have to put in their best efforts and great efforts at their respective clubs in the title race this season both in the domestic league and also in the Champions League and in the Europa League.

[imamusma]

~~

Of course Manchester City are still in the race and even they are a favorite team based on Sportsbook predictions obviously Sportsbook has a reason why to favorite Manchester City, but yeah as you said we have to wait for the match between Manchester City vs Arsenal on March 31 the results of this match will determine who among those who are closer with the title. Indeed, so far Arsenal is the most consistent team for winning 7 consecutive matches but here Manchester City should not be underestimated, especially when they play at home.

Liverpool are also waiting for the results of this important match as a team in the second place they did not expect one of them to win because it will leave Liverpool further this means that Liverpool want both teams to draw so that Liverpool can take over the standings. Liverpool may be a little safer in the next few weeks but when towards the end of the season Liverpool will face many strong teams.

Liverpool hopes to get luck from the Manchester City versus Arsenal match. It is predicted that the narrow points difference between the three teams challenging for the title will continue until the end of the season, so whoever leads the standings, even if the points difference is only 2 or 3 points, will be very lucky to compete for trophies. It is clear that Manchester City is still considered the favorite team, because Pep Guardiola squad has often succeeded in going through great pressure towards the end of the season. Apart from that, the match between Manchester City versus Arsenal is the toughest test for both teams, losing points can have a big impact on their chances of winning the trophy.

Based on the percentage, Manchester City has a better chance of securing full points, because the match will be held at the Etihad stadium. However, Arsenal cannot be underestimated, their strength and consistency have now improved significantly from the previous season. Considering that in the first half of the season, Arsenal was also able to beat Manchester City with a score of 1-0, so Pep Guardiola should give all his attention to the next match. Even though it cannot be used as a complete benchmark, this match will really determine their fate in the future.

[adultcrypto]

You are actually right because Manchester City last season and now are actually not the same because last season to an extend we were thinking that Arsenal will win the league but do to how consistent Manchester City is they were able to win there way to the first position and at the end wining the trophy. So actually the kind of favour that followed them last season is not longer with them on this season because for now Liverpool and Arsenal are the most favoured because unlike there last season when Arsenal was there only competitor but this season not only Arsenal but also Liverpool, although there chances are not yet over because they still have the chance to compete with Liverpool only if they can win Arsenal on there meeting and if they draw it will still affect them because Arsenal and Liverpool will still be ahead of them.

Every team usually have their peak season and this season is definitely not the one for Manchester City. Even if they eventually win the premiership title this season, there is no basis for comparing the Manchester City of last season to the one we have now. By this time last year, it was pretty obvious how the season will end. But this season, there is no one that can bet who will win the league. I know some betting companies, if not all of them, have odds for the teams regarding who will win the title. The odds for the team at the top is usually high but this year there is a major confusion because three teams are competing tightly and there is no clear direction as at now. The next few matches will somehow give us the direction the league will go.

[Frankolala]

You are actually right because Manchester City last season and now are actually not the same because last season to an extend we were thinking that Arsenal will win the league but do to how consistent Manchester City is they were able to win there way to the first position and at the end wining the trophy. So actually the kind of favour that followed them last season is not longer with them on this season because for now Liverpool and Arsenal are the most favoured because unlike there last season when Arsenal was there only competitor but this season not only Arsenal but also Liverpool, although there chances are not yet over because they still have the chance to compete with Liverpool only if they can win Arsenal on there meeting and if they draw it will still affect them because Arsenal and Liverpool will still be ahead of them.

Every team usually have their peak season and this season is definitely not the one for Manchester City. Even if they eventually win the premiership title this season, there is no basis for comparing the Manchester City of last season to the one we have now. By this time last year, it was pretty obvious how the season will end. But this season, there is no one that can bet who will win the league. I know some betting companies, if not all of them, have odds for the teams regarding who will win the title. The odds for the team at the top is usually high but this year there is a major confusion because three teams are competing tightly and there is no clear direction as at now. The next few matches will somehow give us the direction the league will go.

This season is different from last season, that it was very easy to know the club that won the league. This season is very tough, as three clubs are on it, amd no one can predict the winner. This is because all three clubs are in their best form, and none of them is ready to drop points. But as time passes by, and the end of the season draws near, we shall tell who will be the winner.

Arsenal is stronger than last season by this time last season. Which made it difficult for them to keep being consistent in their matches, and it affected them a lot, leading to the lost of the trophy. This is why I think that Arteta will want to use this opportunity wisely to win the league since his team are very strong to do the job.

[Issa56]

Every team usually have their peak season and this season is definitely not the one for Manchester City. Even if they eventually win the premiership title this season, there is no basis for comparing the Manchester City of last season to the one we have now.

Manchester City performance dropped dramatically this season, we can’t compare their performance this season with last season, they played better last season compare to how they played this season. If you notice how Manchester City have been playing since being of the season, you will notice their is a drastic decline in their performance, their was a certain time that Manchester City were finding it very difficult to score goals in their matches, they were always having opportunities to score but they were missing it, most of the matches which they won then was just with one goal difference.

Am still expecting Manchester City to win the league this season, but that doesn’t mean they are really in form just as you said,  their performance this season can’t be compared to last season. Maybe De Bruyne that has always been on injury has really contributed to decline in Manchester City performance this season.

[baeva]

To me it's quite logical that Manchester city is almost everyone's favorite to lift this year premier league title, due to their experience and debth within the ranks of their squad, but to me, I really don't think they are that good this season,

You are actually right because Manchester City last season and now are actually not the same because last season to an extend we were thinking that Arsenal will win the league but do to how consistent Manchester City is they were able to win there way to the first position and at the end wining the trophy. So actually the kind of favour that followed them last season is not longer with them on this season because for now Liverpool and Arsenal are the most favoured because unlike there last season when Arsenal was there only competitor but this season not only Arsenal but also Liverpool, although there chances are not yet over because they still have the chance to compete with Liverpool only if they can win Arsenal on there meeting and if they draw it will still affect them because Arsenal and Liverpool will still be ahead of them.

It's not that Manchester City have stopped being consistent or weakened at all, no, it's not that. It's very different this year, other teams as you have already pointed out are also strong and can compete with MC. Let's see what happens in the Champions League, I think it will be a big indicator, if they reach the final or win the trophy at all, it will mean just that they are still strong, and it will also emphasise once again that this EPL season is not like the last ones.

[Jegileman]

Every team usually have their peak season and this season is definitely not the one for Manchester City. Even if they eventually win the premiership title this season, there is no basis for comparing the Manchester City of last season to the one we have now. By this time last year, it was pretty obvious how the season will end. But this season, there is no one that can bet who will win the league. I know some betting companies, if not all of them, have odds for the teams regarding who will win the title. The odds for the team at the top is usually high but this year there is a major confusion because three teams are competing tightly and there is no clear direction as at now. The next few matches will somehow give us the direction the league will go.

I still feel that the next few matches will not still ascertain how the league will go and who will eventually be the potential winner of the league title. This is a very tight race and with the view of things, no team will give up so easily, the match winner could possibly be decided on the last day of the premier league game.

Manchester City are also confused on which competition to focus on now as all competitions are important to them and would love to win all three as they did last season. With this tight competition, I doubt if they can win even up to two trophies. Football is unpredictable though, but I still doubt if they can win up to two trophies this season.

[Sakanwa]

Every team usually have their peak season and this season is definitely not the one for Manchester City. Even if they eventually win the premiership title this season, there is no basis for comparing the Manchester City of last season to the one we have now. By this time last year, it was pretty obvious how the season will end. But this season, there is no one that can bet who will win the league. I know some betting companies, if not all of them, have odds for the teams regarding who will win the title. The odds for the team at the top is usually high but this year there is a major confusion because three teams are competing tightly and there is no clear direction as at now. The next few matches will somehow give us the direction the league will go.

I still feel that the next few matches will not still ascertain how the league will go and who will eventually be the potential winner of the league title. This is a very tight race and with the view of things, no team will give up so easily, the match winner could possibly be decided on the last day of the premier league game.

Manchester City are also confused on which competition to focus on now as all competitions are important to them and would love to win all three as they did last season. With this tight competition, I doubt if they can win even up to two trophies. Football is unpredictable though, but I still doubt if they can win up to two trophies this season.

The truth is their form this season really dropped a little bit as they lost Mahrez,and Gundogan who was so instrumental to their winning the trebble last season.After wiining those trophies for Pep,the duo felt like they've finished their work with Pep,and decided to go to another clubs, Gundogan went to Barca,while Mahrez went to another league to continue football.But this season,they have struggled a little bit with games,they haven't being able to win big teams the way they did last season when they won the trebble.Therefore,I agree with your point.they might just end up winning just one, because I'm quite sure Madrid will eliminate them from the champions league,and they won't win the premier league either.

[TopT3ns]

It's not that Manchester City have stopped being consistent or weakened at all, no, it's not that. It's very different this year, other teams as you have already pointed out are also strong and can compete with MC. Let's see what happens in the Champions League, I think it will be a big indicator, if they reach the final or win the trophy at all, it will mean just that they are still strong, and it will also emphasise once again that this EPL season is not like the last ones.

The opponent that Manchester City will face in the next match is Arsenal and the three big clubs are competing to win and reach first place. I am sure that Arsenal and Manchester City will use all their strength with the aim of winning and will not let the result end in a draw.

[bitzizzix]

To me it's quite logical that Manchester city is almost everyone's favorite to lift this year premier league title, due to their experience and debth within the ranks of their squad, but to me, I really don't think they are that good this season,

You are actually right because Manchester City last season and now are actually not the same because last season to an extend we were thinking that Arsenal will win the league but do to how consistent Manchester City is they were able to win there way to the first position and at the end wining the trophy. So actually the kind of favour that followed them last season is not longer with them on this season because for now Liverpool and Arsenal are the most favoured because unlike there last season when Arsenal was there only competitor but this season not only Arsenal but also Liverpool, although there chances are not yet over because they still have the chance to compete with Liverpool only if they can win Arsenal on there meeting and if they draw it will still affect them because Arsenal and Liverpool will still be ahead of them.

It's not that Manchester City have stopped being consistent or weakened at all, no, it's not that. It's very different this year, other teams as you have already pointed out are also strong and can compete with MC. Let's see what happens in the Champions League, I think it will be a big indicator, if they reach the final or win the trophy at all, it will mean just that they are still strong, and it will also emphasise once again that this EPL season is not like the last ones.

In my opinion, Manchester City is still consistent and still like last season, it's just that other teams like Arsenal and Liverpool have corrected their shortcomings and made last season's situation better this season.
And Manchester City will remain a dangerous team for any opponent and in any competition, and only a team and coach who can read how to play and its strategy can have the ability to compete with Manchester City. Arsenal and Liverpool have that ability, and if a team is able to hold Manchester City to a draw, they can read their strategy and game and strengthen their defense.

[borovichok]

The opponent that Manchester City will face in the next match is Arsenal and the three big clubs are competing to win and reach first place. I am sure that Arsenal and Manchester City will use all their strength with the aim of winning and will not let the result end in a draw.

We can't predict who's taking the EPL title home because the fierce competitive race is among the top clubs, no presence of mediocre teams and the only surviving one that tried, Aston Villa couldn't keep up with close range due to the top competition, they had to paved out due to inconsistency in matches. This season comes with elite competition among the top clubs in the English Premier League. None of them would keen to settle for lesser scores, rather they will put everything within their species and enabling they're wrapping up this season with good points on the table.

Remember Arsenal won Manchester at Emirate stadium in the first EPL round this season, a joyful moment for Arsenal that's putting up the big fight and also included as favorites to win matches and win the league. This time around, Gunners will travel to Etihad stadium where they will face the Citizens. Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta are close enough and they will shake hands as old time friends, definitely a memory for both of them. I would say Mikel Arteta is a good student because he got established from the necessities and lessons learned under the management of Pep Guardiola.

[Raflesia]

International breaks always bring disaster 

There are not a few disasters that occur due to international matches but it is also inevitable because after all for a player when they are called to defend their country in a competition then indirectly it is like a big achievement for them so they will definitely go all out in doing their job as a player.
But on the other hand this is also sometimes detrimental to the club because in the end sometimes sometimes with the all out game shown it brings disaster and not a few clubs feel that way as we take for example this season Salah who had to be injured for quite a long time and missed defending Liverpool or Gavi who when defending Spain he actually got an ACL injury which required him to be absent for almost a season.

But on the other hand this also cannot be prohibited just like that for a club but it can still be minimized with good communication and it should be done so as not to expose their players in a match that makes this can also be minimized so that their players can play with the national team for their country but return safely and can continue to be professional at the club being defended.

[tiCeR]

I think this is a typical case when only City fans want a City victory, but the fans of all other teams, even Liverpool, want an Arsenal victory 
Dominant clubs are annoying, and if their dominance is based on dirty dealings, then this increases the irritation tenfold. We can hope that City players will be on their minds already in the game against Real Madrid and Arsenal will earn at least a draw in this game.

I am not convinced that the City players could be distracted by the upcoming game against Real Madrid. There is Pep Guardiola who understands like nobody else how to direct the focus of his players to the single task that is ahead of them and then there is this endless experience playing on the maximum level almost every single game. This may apply to less experienced teams and players, but I don't think that the majority of the City players could lose focus or are less focused than they normally are because there is this clash against Real waiting for them. But still Arsenal has a chance to win the game. City is amazing, but they are not magically protected from losing games.

In general, yes, they are all pros (and I’m not just talking about City players) and essentially for them the whole season is an endless series of games and they are all important and in the end everything merges into one endless match. Therefore, in virtually every game everyone shows their average level. But the game with Real Madrid, especially in the quarterfinals of the Champions League, is very different from all other games, so I think that no matter how hard Guardiola tries, the players will think about this game not only when necessary (immediately before the game) but also long before it.

Oh sure, no doubt about the fact that a quarterfinal against Real Madrid gets players thinking differently and more frequently about that game than a quarterfinal against Porto. But I tried to convey that during these 90+ minutes against Arsenal I am 100% convinced that the Real Madrid game has no influence. I would go even further and say that a game against Luton Town could be more problematic regarding the players' focus because it would seem less relevant to play at 100%. In the game against Arsenal, I don't have 1% doubt that any of the Manchester City players are fully dedicated with their minds to that particular game and nothing else. It's because there is something on the line. Actually, it would be the same against Luton Town because losing 3 points could break them the neck either way, no matter who the opponent is. But I think for top players it is easier to put full focus on the tough games. Arsenal is a tough game, and no need to elaborate on what Real Madrid is.