⚽ English Premier League Season: 2023/2024

[tokeweed]

^  Not sure how that title for the article came about but there were also some articles online that United was solid in supporting the Ronaldo acquisition.  There was a whole story about it and how it all came about the moment some rumors were swirling around that Guardiola and Txiki went to Juve to offer a deal for Ronaldo.  I could be wrong with this next part, but that was when it was said that Solskjaer, Darren Fletcher and SAF were like 'let's get our boy home' and went on to make their own deal to acquire Ronaldo.

And yes, City wanted Ronaldo because they couldn't get Kane.  But they ended up rejecting Juve's offer anyway.  City didn't want to pay for the transfer free being asked for a 36 year old player as it was against City's transfer policy.

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[JollyGood]

I agree with you. Guardiola chased Ronaldo all summer and had a verbal agreement in place to sign him for Manchester City. Ronaldo was close to signing but a late intervention by ex-manager Ferguson persuaded Ronaldo to rejoin Manchester United. That has been documented widely in the media.

I never heard stories about Solskjaer not wanting Ronaldo or being forced by the owners to play him for commercial value, that sounds exaggerated to me and is probably totally incorrect. Can you provide links to any respectable source, I would like to read it.

As for Newcastle United, I disagree about them finishing in the top four. I am expecting their form to dip and for them to lose points but who knows maybe you are right and they will play Champions League football next season.

@tokeweed City actually wanted Ronaldo, and you’re wrong again Solskjaer didn’t want Ronaldo and he was forced to play him because the board wanted Ronaldo in playing 11 because of his commercial value.

Furthermore I feel that Newcastle will cling to a third or fourth spot, because while they say that they won’t buy anyone in January I feel that they’ll end up buying player’s which will give them further juice to survive in the top 4 till this season end’s.

[Distraction]

Newcastle's clinging to top 4 is depending on especially Tottenham and Liverpool's performances. I don't include Manchester United because I believe they are still a mess now. I mean that they are far away from the spot they should be in the league. This level of performance won't be much of a help for them in the rest of the season also. If they add a good striker to their squad in January then maybe I might have bigger expectations from them. But for now it seems like they will continue to struggle about scoring more than one goal and taking easy wins.

If we come back to the Tottenham - Liverpool topic, Tottenham have struggled in big matches quite much. If Conte creates a solution to this they would be more consistent. They are already doing good in the other matches. Liverpool have been really inconsistent so far but they got two wins lastly. If they return stronger after this break they can finish the season at the third place in the worst case.

[JollyGood]

At the start of the season not many people would have thought Newcastle United would be sitting in third place. Now they are there, how many people think they will maintain their form and be able to finish in a Champions League position at the end of the season?

It is difficult to see Manchester City falling out of the top four, likewise on current form it is the same for Arsenal therefore Newcastle United will have to fight for the remaining two Champions League places with Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United. I see all four teams having stronger squads than Newcastle United and am confident two of the other four will end up playing in the Champions League next season.

Newcastle's clinging to top 4 is depending on especially Tottenham and Liverpool's performances. I don't include Manchester United because I believe they are still a mess now. I mean that they are far away from the spot they should be in the league. This level of performance won't be much of a help for them in the rest of the season also. If they add a good striker to their squad in January then maybe I might have bigger expectations from them. But for now it seems like they will continue to struggle about scoring more than one goal and taking easy wins.

If we come back to the Tottenham - Liverpool topic, Tottenham have struggled in big matches quite much. If Conte creates a solution to this they would be more consistent. They are already doing good in the other matches. Liverpool have been really inconsistent so far but they got two wins lastly. If they return stronger after this break they can finish the season at the third place in the worst case.

[CLS63]

I think it is very difficult for Manchester United to finish the season ahead of Liverpool. Because I don't see a more impressive game by them comparing to Liverpool. Yeah, Liverpool have had a really inconsistent run so far as well but they have a bigger potential than Manchester United anyway.

First of all, Liverpool are more productive than them in the league right now. Manchester United's main problem has been this for a long time period. They just waste too many goal opportunities and this causes them to suffer a big hardship indeed. I expect to see Klopp making a good progress in the rest of the season. Liverpool had this kind of times before and they know how to deal with it as well.

[tokeweed]

I think it is very difficult for Manchester United to finish the season ahead of Liverpool. Because I don't see a more impressive game by them comparing to Liverpool. Yeah, Liverpool have had a really inconsistent run so far as well but they have a bigger potential than Manchester United anyway.

First of all, Liverpool are more productive than them in the league right now. Manchester United's main problem has been this for a long time period. They just waste too many goal opportunities and this causes them to suffer a big hardship indeed. I expect to see Klopp making a good progress in the rest of the season. Liverpool had this kind of times before and they know how to deal with it as well.

What do you mean difficult?  Man United is up by 4 points against Liverpool in the league.  It could be the other way around imho, as Liverpool has the UCL to worry about and getting top 4 in the league and the couple domestic cups.  United isn't in the same kind of pressure Liverpool is in judging from how much each of them spent on transfers during the summer.

At the start of the season not many people would have thought Newcastle United would be sitting in third place. Now they are there, how many people think they will maintain their form and be able to finish in a Champions League position at the end of the season?

It is difficult to see Manchester City falling out of the top four, likewise on current form it is the same for Arsenal therefore Newcastle United will have to fight for the remaining two Champions League places with Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United. I see all four teams having stronger squads than Newcastle United and am confident two of the other four will end up playing in the Champions League next season.

It's not going to be that hard for Newcastle, looking at the current of Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham and United.  Lol.  Eddie Howe good, Newcastle good, Saudi oiler money good. 

[Luzin]

There is no way any 37 year old can play as though he used to play when he was 27, that is impossible but Ronaldo adapted from being a speedy winger in to a goal scoring sensation. If you look at the dismal display by Messi when he played for Argentina in their defeat by Saudi Arabia you will see that on the biggest stage in global football anything can happen and Ronaldo will try to ensure he does not suffer the same fate.

That's their difference. Mesi had good luck at the club but not with the country. That's the opposite of Ronaldo. Right now we're talking to clubs not to the World Cup. Ronaldo's fate at the Club even I see is really bad. He had to do the drama to be released immediately by Man United. Even Messi after leaving Barcelona has had more of a brilliant career than Ronaldo. 
Ronaldo currently only has a great desire, but he is not aware he has declined.  When he was young he was able to become a creator of victory, now he needs the full support of other players in a team. He should be able to be a collective player, not obey what he wants.

[JollyGood]

I think it is very difficult for Manchester United to finish the season ahead of Liverpool. Because I don't see a more impressive game by them comparing to Liverpool. Yeah, Liverpool have had a really inconsistent run so far as well but they have a bigger potential than Manchester United anyway.

It is possible because Liverpool are playing mediocre football. Manchester United have played much better football than Liverpool this season.

First of all, Liverpool are more productive than them in the league right now. Manchester United's main problem has been this for a long time period. They just waste too many goal opportunities and this causes them to suffer a big hardship indeed. I expect to see Klopp making a good progress in the rest of the season. Liverpool had this kind of times before and they know how to deal with it as well.

You are wrong, Liverpool have not experienced this sort of form and league table position before since they signed Salah, this is the firs time in years Liverpool are playing so bad.

I think it is very difficult for Manchester United to finish the season ahead of Liverpool. Because I don't see a more impressive game by them comparing to Liverpool. Yeah, Liverpool have had a really inconsistent run so far as well but they have a bigger potential than Manchester United anyway.

First of all, Liverpool are more productive than them in the league right now. Manchester United's main problem has been this for a long time period. They just waste too many goal opportunities and this causes them to suffer a big hardship indeed. I expect to see Klopp making a good progress in the rest of the season. Liverpool had this kind of times before and they know how to deal with it as well.

What do you mean difficult?  Man United is up by 4 points against Liverpool in the league.  It could be the other way around imho, as Liverpool has the UCL to worry about and getting top 4 in the league and the couple domestic cups.  United isn't in the same kind of pressure Liverpool is in judging from how much each of them spent on transfers during the summer.

Yes you are right. I have no idea why he would say something so obviously untrue.

It's not going to be that hard for Newcastle, looking at the current of Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham and United.  Lol.  Eddie Howe good, Newcastle good, Saudi oiler money good.  

Well, Newcastle United have been playing exciting football therefore would we be surprised if they managed to finish in the top 4? I am expecting them to drop to around 6th at the end of the season.

[püsür]

There is no way any 37 year old can play as though he used to play when he was 27, that is impossible but Ronaldo adapted from being a speedy winger in to a goal scoring sensation. If you look at the dismal display by Messi when he played for Argentina in their defeat by Saudi Arabia you will see that on the biggest stage in global football anything can happen and Ronaldo will try to ensure he does not suffer the same fate.

That's their difference. Mesi had good luck at the club but not with the country. That's the opposite of Ronaldo. Right now we're talking to clubs not to the World Cup. Ronaldo's fate at the Club even I see is really bad. He had to do the drama to be released immediately by Man United. Even Messi after leaving Barcelona has had more of a brilliant career than Ronaldo. 
Ronaldo currently only has a great desire, but he is not aware he has declined.  When he was young he was able to become a creator of victory, now he needs the full support of other players in a team. He should be able to be a collective player, not obey what he wants.

His current situation reminds me of the 2016-17 season. He started that season as sluggish as he started this world cup. He had only scored 2 goals until the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Messi had 11 goals at the same time in the champions league. All the media was, so to speak, made fun of him. It was said that he was a finished football player. what happened next? An almost single-handed trophy and a performance that cannot be matched except for the 2002' phenomenon ronaldo or 86' Maradona. He scored 5 goals against Bayern in the quarter finals, 3 goals against Atletico in the semi finals and 2 goals against Juventus in the final. At the end of the tournament, he became the top scorer with 12 goals, as well as 6 assists to his teammates. If you say, is that ronaldo the same as this ronaldo? maybe not the same in terms of age, physical endurance and technical capacity, but still the same ronaldo in terms of ambition, character, game intelligence. Therefore, nobody should say that this man is finished before Portugal is eliminated and he leaves Qatar. Because his biggest motivation is the senseless hatred from his haters. I found what happened between him and Manchester United a total shame. He should have acted better but also Manchester United should have been more careful with him also.

[JollyGood]

Messi is a brilliant player, a gifted player but most of his success at Barcelona had been thanks to having Iniesta and Xavi in midfield with him. Without Xavi and Iniesta, Barcelona never won the Champions League again. They won it in 2009, 2011 and 2015 and faded when Xavi and Iniesta left. His last two Ballon d'Or are a little suspect too, Messi has 7 and Ronaldo 5.

What cannot be denied is he is still a great player and both Messi and Ronaldo have pushed themselves to be the best but their best is behind them. They cannot run around like they were 25 years old and others including Mbappe have their own status in world football now. Argentina will probably be knocked out when they play Netherlands on their quarter-finals.

As for Ronaldo, he will have another attempt at showing his skills against Switzerland in the round of 16 game, a game Portugal expect to win. It was wrong the way his departure from Manchester United happened but when he wanted to leave to play Champions League football they refused to let him go. After that they accepted an offer to sell him to a Middle East club without even telling him and he declined a salary of nearly £3 million a week because he wanted Champions League football.

The best place for him to go would be PSG in order for him and Messi to share the pitch as team mates for one season  

His current situation reminds me of the 2016-17 season. He started that season as sluggish as he started this world cup. He had only scored 2 goals until the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Messi had 11 goals at the same time in the champions league. All the media was, so to speak, made fun of him. It was said that he was a finished football player. what happened next? An almost single-handed trophy and a performance that cannot be matched except for the 2002' phenomenon ronaldo or 86' Maradona. He scored 5 goals against Bayern in the quarter finals, 3 goals against Atletico in the semi finals and 2 goals against Juventus in the final. At the end of the tournament, he became the top scorer with 12 goals, as well as 6 assists to his teammates. If you say, is that ronaldo the same as this ronaldo? maybe not the same in terms of age, physical endurance and technical capacity, but still the same ronaldo in terms of ambition, character, game intelligence. Therefore, nobody should say that this man is finished before Portugal is eliminated and he leaves Qatar. Because his biggest motivation is the senseless hatred from his haters. I found what happened between him and Manchester United a total shame. He should have acted better but also Manchester United should have been more careful with him also.

[CLS63]

I think it is very difficult for Manchester United to finish the season ahead of Liverpool. Because I don't see a more impressive game by them comparing to Liverpool. Yeah, Liverpool have had a really inconsistent run so far as well but they have a bigger potential than Manchester United anyway.

It is possible because Liverpool are playing mediocre football. Manchester United have played much better football than Liverpool this season.

I didn't say that it was not possible. I just believe Liverpool have a bigger potential than Manchester United for the rest of the season. They have a much stronger attacking line already. They just need to solve their issues in defense. Klopp can find a solution to this actually but let's see.

First of all, Liverpool are more productive than them in the league right now. Manchester United's main problem has been this for a long time period. They just waste too many goal opportunities and this causes them to suffer a big hardship indeed. I expect to see Klopp making a good progress in the rest of the season. Liverpool had this kind of times before and they know how to deal with it as well.

You are wrong, Liverpool have not experienced this sort of form and league table position before since they signed Salah, this is the firs time in years Liverpool are playing so bad.

Actually I'm not wrong.    You can just check the 2020/21 season and understand what I meant by saying that. Liverpool had Salah in that year and they had a time period that they got some poor results. But they still fixed their problems and their form as well. It was only enough for the 3rd position at the end though and maybe the ending of this season might be a similar one as well.

[JollyGood]

I didn't say that it was not possible. I just believe Liverpool have a bigger potential than Manchester United for the rest of the season. They have a much stronger attacking line already. They just need to solve their issues in defense. Klopp can find a solution to this actually but let's see.

Yes let us see how the end of season table will look. Do you think Liverpool will finish in the top 4 even though Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham, Newcastle United and Manchester United are currently above them?

Actually I'm not wrong.    You can just check the 2020/21 season and understand what I meant by saying that. Liverpool had Salah in that year and they had a time period that they got some poor results. But they still fixed their problems and their form as well. It was only enough for the 3rd position at the end though and maybe the ending of this season might be a similar one as well.

You replied to an old post, I cannot be sure but I think I was referring to this season (not previous seasons) therefore let us call this a misunderstanding and move on from it 

[CLS63]

Yes let us see how the end of season table will look. Do you think Liverpool will finish in the top 4 even though Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham, Newcastle United and Manchester United are currently above them?

It is true that they have a really challenging road ahead of them among all of these teams. Even Newcastle are having an unexpectedly strong season. First of all, Arsenal and Manchester City are obviously the favourites for top 2 positions. They wouldn't drop down from this area that easy. For the remaining spots in top 4, I'm thinking of Liverpool and Tottenham. Somehow I can't believe in Manchester United to make it there as much as I do for Liverpool. I find them a little inadequate in terms of scoring potential - multiple goals in a match. They have conceded even more goals than Liverpool too. Liverpool can close this gap of 4 points with them if Klopp starts taking the right actions especially in defense.

You replied to an old post, I cannot be sure but I think I was referring to this season (not previous seasons) therefore let us call this a misunderstanding and move on from it  

Of course, mate.    Maybe there was some misunderstanding there. I just wanted to explain the thing I mentioned.

[JollyGood]

I think both Newcastle and Arsenal are having an unexpectedly strong season. I am happy to see Newcastle in a Champions League place (for now at least) because they deserved in on the way they have started playing. Arsenal surprised me, I thought their team was too inexperienced and too young to make a serious attempt at winning the league title. I still think they will fade away and Manchester City will win the Premier League.

As for Liverpool, Tottenham or any other team to clinch the Champions League spots, the Premier League restarts on Monday 26th December, we do not have to wait long before the games are played again.

It is true that they have a really challenging road ahead of them among all of these teams. Even Newcastle are having an unexpectedly strong season. First of all, Arsenal and Manchester City are obviously the favourites for top 2 positions. They wouldn't drop down from this area that easy. For the remaining spots in top 4, I'm thinking of Liverpool and Tottenham. Somehow I can't believe in Manchester United to make it there as much as I do for Liverpool. I find them a little inadequate in terms of scoring potential - multiple goals in a match. They have conceded even more goals than Liverpool too. Liverpool can close this gap of 4 points with them if Klopp starts taking the right actions especially in defense.

[Marvell1]

I think both Newcastle and Arsenal are having an unexpectedly strong season. I am happy to see Newcastle in a Champions League place (for now at least) because they deserved in on the way they have started playing. Arsenal surprised me, I thought their team was too inexperienced and too young to make a serious attempt at winning the league title. I still think they will fade away and Manchester City will win the Premier League.
As for Liverpool, Tottenham or any other team to clinch the Champions League spots, the Premier League restarts on Monday 26th December, we do not have to wait long before the games are played again.

It is true that they have a really challenging road ahead of them among all of these teams. Even Newcastle are having an unexpectedly strong season. First of all, Arsenal and Manchester City are obviously the favourites for top 2 positions. They wouldn't drop down from this area that easy. For the remaining spots in top 4, I'm thinking of Liverpool and Tottenham. Somehow I can't believe in Manchester United to make it there as much as I do for Liverpool. I find them a little inadequate in terms of scoring potential - multiple goals in a match. They have conceded even more goals than Liverpool too. Liverpool can close this gap of 4 points with them if Klopp starts taking the right actions especially in defense.

Personally, I am really happy for Newcastle to be playing this well in the league so far. I think Arsenal deservedly got into the position they are in right now, as the addition of Gabriel Jesus has really changed the total outlook of the team.

Despite the fact that he is injured, which is quite unfortunate, I still believe that both Manchester City and Arsenal will be able to finish at least in the top four, if not in the top two. Taking a look at the other two spots, I feel Tottenham will have the highest chance of getting the third place and I believe Liverpool will have the best chance of getting the fourth spot over Manchester United. Because I really don't trust Manchester United these days as they have become very inconsistent with their game.

[Juggy777]

I think both Newcastle and Arsenal are having an unexpectedly strong season. I am happy to see Newcastle in a Champions League place (for now at least) because they deserved in on the way they have started playing. Arsenal surprised me, I thought their team was too inexperienced and too young to make a serious attempt at winning the league title. I still think they will fade away and Manchester City will win the Premier League.
As for Liverpool, Tottenham or any other team to clinch the Champions League spots, the Premier League restarts on Monday 26th December, we do not have to wait long before the games are played again.

It is true that they have a really challenging road ahead of them among all of these teams. Even Newcastle are having an unexpectedly strong season. First of all, Arsenal and Manchester City are obviously the favourites for top 2 positions. They wouldn't drop down from this area that easy. For the remaining spots in top 4, I'm thinking of Liverpool and Tottenham. Somehow I can't believe in Manchester United to make it there as much as I do for Liverpool. I find them a little inadequate in terms of scoring potential - multiple goals in a match. They have conceded even more goals than Liverpool too. Liverpool can close this gap of 4 points with them if Klopp starts taking the right actions especially in defense.

Personally, I am really happy for Newcastle to be playing this well in the league so far. I think Arsenal deservedly got into the position they are in right now, as the addition of Gabriel Jesus has really changed the total outlook of the team.

Despite the fact that he is injured, which is quite unfortunate, I still believe that both Manchester City and Arsenal will be able to finish at least in the top four, if not in the top two. Taking a look at the other two spots, I feel Tottenham will have the highest chance of getting the third place and I believe Liverpool will have the best chance of getting the fourth spot over Manchester United. Because I really don't trust Manchester United these days as they have become very inconsistent with their game.

@JollyGood while I had expected Arsenal to perform well but their rise has stunned everyone including me, but if you carefully study it then you’ll note that they have recruited really well ever since Arteta too over and that’s paid rich dividends for Arsenal. Also Newcastle have spent a lot of money but to be honest I thought they would not perform well, but all credits to their coach who’s worked silently in the background and brought the winning mentality back at Newcastle.

[Distraction]

Arteta has been speculated to have a transfer budget worth 50 million pounds in January transfer window.

As Arsenal don't need to make a big signing in January Arteta would be comfortable about his transfer moves now. I presume he would just look for some decent players who can be good alternatives to some of the starting eleven players. The thing Arsenal need at this point is not new top players. They just need consistency. Arteta should do his best to keep the mental of the players as high as possible. Arsenal owe their current success to the quality of their team performance so far. Even in times Jesus wasn't productive they still continued to win their matches one by one.

[JollyGood]

Personally, I am really happy for Newcastle to be playing this well in the league so far. I think Arsenal deservedly got into the position they are in right now, as the addition of Gabriel Jesus has really changed the total outlook of the team.

Newcastle United have surprised everybody with their consistency, it is refreshing to see a club other than usual sitting in a Champions League place. Gabriel Jesus has benefited by playing regular football at Arsenal and the club has enjoyed a new attacking dimension with him in their team.

@JollyGood while I had expected Arsenal to perform well but their rise has stunned everyone including me, but if you carefully study it then you’ll note that they have recruited really well ever since Arteta too over and that’s paid rich dividends for Arsenal. Also Newcastle have spent a lot of money but to be honest I thought they would not perform well, but all credits to their coach who’s worked silently in the background and brought the winning mentality back at Newcastle.

Newcastle United deserve credit as do Arsenal but I am still expecting Arsenal to run out of steam and drop out of the top 4 and also Newcastle who will probably also vacate their position and finish the season somewhere in the top 7.

Arsenal owe their current success to the quality of their team performance so far. Even in times Jesus wasn't productive they still continued to win their matches one by one.

Good teams always find a way to manage a draw or a win, that is what Arsenal are doing at the moment. They are finding ways to win their games ever since they were beaten by Manchester United.

[JollyGood]

For all those disappointed with the way England were knocked out of the tournament in Qatar (or those disappointed the world cup has finally ended), you have a short time to wait before the Premier League is back in action. The games restart on 26th December 2022. Time to forget about the world cup and look forward to the most exciting league in the world.

[tokeweed]

^  Finally!  With the World Cup now over and done with, it's now time for the real thing.    I'm not too keen and excited to make bets on these matches tho but I might.  Lol.  They're def be going to be really unpredictable as it's like it's the start of the season again.  :/  And of course I'm pretty sure there are gonna be injuries from international duty too.  That's what I really hate about the whole thing, be it World Cup, the Euros, etc, etc...

Anyway, I feel like a couple of underdogs could snatch some wins on Boxing Day.  What do you guys think of Brentford draw no bet at 2.80 and Aston Villa draw no bet at 3.10?