Whale.io 🐳 | ⚽ English Premier League Season: 2025/2026

[igebotz]

Maresca made some bizarre comments in the press conference after the game about the previous 48 hours being the worst since his appointment as manager. When the media asked him to elaborate, he refused to be specific but it seems as though he was referring to the owners. I hope he is more careful in future because making unnecessary comments (such as those made today) could result in him getting sacked.

He has every right to be upset with the owners, but I don't think coming out publicly to say what he did was the appropriate. Never speak against your boss in public; someone in his position should know better. I understand the owners left him dry after Colwil injury, he did mentioned that the owners were bringing some backups but they never did.

Arne Slot won the league last year and got over £500m to spend on players whereas Enzo Mascara won the Conference league and the WC and was left dry throughout the summer.

I hope it doesn't escalate more than this- I don't want another Tuchel situation.

[JollyGood]

If there is a stand-off between Maresca and the owners, it is clear the owners will win because Maresca will be sacked. Chelsea needed stability and they seem to have found it with Maresca, I think he should stay at the club but at least control his emotions better. The owners are clearly giving him time.

Liverpool believed Slot was the best manager after they won the Premier League in his first season as manager therefore spent a lot of money on players but it seems as though spending that money has not helped them this season. The Chelsea owners probably do not want to be in the same situation therefore are a little restrictive with the budget.

He has every right to be upset with the owners, but I don't think coming out publicly to say what he did was the appropriate. Never speak against your boss in public; someone in his position should know better. I understand the owners left him dry after Colwil injury, he did mentioned that the owners were bringing some backups but they never did.

Arne Slot won the league last year and got over £500m to spend on players whereas Enzo Mascara won the Conference league and the WC and was left dry throughout the summer.

I hope it doesn't escalate more than this- I don't want another Tuchel situation.

[tokeweed]

Not saying you're wrong or anything, but I made the bet based on the value of the line and with how their form currently is rn, it could be a +EV bet.  That's all I'm betting for.  Not necessarily thinking that Sunderland will win.  That's way I went for draw no bet...  For insurance. 

As for your lean, if Newcastle wins I lose.  If Sunderland wins, I win,  If it's a draw, I still win.  And at 2.32 I think it's decent value.

It is a derby, anything can happen. For all we know, it could be a 3-0 or 5-4 game 

Nope..  Not this one.  The match ended with 1 - 0 for a Sunderland W.  I'll take the money tyvm. 

Btw what happened to Bournemouth lately?  They had a nice season last year and a decent start of the season this year but now they're on a bad run...  4 losses and a couple of draws in their last 6 matches.  Was thinking of fading United but I don't think Bournemouth in its current form could get a point against United at home.

The Bournemouth of last year def could me thinks.

[igebotz]

If there is a stand-off between Maresca and the owners, it is clear the owners will win because Maresca will be sacked. Chelsea needed stability and they seem to have found it with Maresca, I think he should stay at the club but at least control his emotions better. The owners are clearly giving him time.

Liverpool believed Slot was the best manager after they won the Premier League in his first season as manager therefore spent a lot of money on players but it seems as though spending that money has not helped them this season. The Chelsea owners probably do not want to be in the same situation therefore are a little restrictive with the budget.

Just listened to Enzo Mascara press conference ahead of our game against Cardiff tomorrow - the English media houses are nuts and assholes  they kept bringing on unnecessary questions to get reactions from him and to create unhealthy relationship between him and the owners but Enzo Mascara message was clear!

He said "If we win tomorrow that would be the 3rd semi finals in just one year since he took over" sending indirect message to the owners like " do you want to get me sacked or you want trophies" and if you want trophies we'd need to upgrade the team.  he also appreciate the lover and support from Chelsea fans.

[JollyGood]

Nope..  Not this one.   The match ended with 1 - 0 for a Sunderland W.  I'll take the money tyvm.  

Btw what happened to Bournemouth lately?  They had a nice season last year and a decent start of the season this year but now they're on a bad run...  4 losses and a couple of draws in their last 6 matches.  Was thinking of fading United but I don't think Bournemouth in its current form could get a point against United at home.

You selected the correct result, congratulations on your win  

As for Bournemouth, they have lost form recently therefore I expect them to lose 3-0 or 4-0 away at Manchester United this evening. As bad as Manchester United are playing, I feel Bournemouth will face a big defeat.

Just listened to Enzo Mascara press conference ahead of our game against Cardiff tomorrow - the English media houses are nuts and assholes   they kept bringing on unnecessary questions to get reactions from him and to create unhealthy relationship between him and the owners but Enzo Mascara message was clear!

He said "If we win tomorrow that would be the 3rd semi finals in just one year since he took over" sending indirect message to the owners like " do you want to get me sacked or you want trophies" and if you want trophies we'd need to upgrade the team.   he also appreciate the lover and support from Chelsea fans.

He needs the support from the fans and is getting it. I know the media will try to keep mentioning the comments he made therefore he should stop throwing hints towards the owners and simply get on with the job. It is a fantastic opportunity to manage Chelsea, he should embrace it and enjoy it.

[Sandra_hakeem]

Chelsea are not that far away from having a good run of game. Palmer has returned, there is a feeling around the club they are going to be successful this season (if not then next season).

Yeah he came back today with a bang bang and for the first time in a long time we killed off the game at HT. He made the attack better and made everyone around a better player- this is exactly why his injury affected our performance..

Look, y'all are lucky to have, while in good shape, one of the most versatile forwards in the English premier League today. If you watch the replay of how he built up that play, you'll see the way he points and directs James to connect the pass to Gusto, who was already in a position to link it straight back at him. How brilliant is that? He orchestrated the goal with his own intelligence!
Meanwhile, who ever brought about the idea of making a contract with Garnacho has failed as a scout. This is not about being given sometime to adapt to the league, this is straight flop!

[...]and if you want trophies we'd need to upgrade the team.   he also appreciate the lover and support from Chelsea fans.

He better not make the type of signings they did last 2-3 seasons.

[tokeweed]

Nope..  Not this one.   The match ended with 1 - 0 for a Sunderland W.  I'll take the money tyvm.  

Btw what happened to Bournemouth lately?  They had a nice season last year and a decent start of the season this year but now they're on a bad run...  4 losses and a couple of draws in their last 6 matches.  Was thinking of fading United but I don't think Bournemouth in its current form could get a point against United at home.

You selected the correct result, congratulations on your win  

As for Bournemouth, they have lost form recently therefore I expect them to lose 3-0 or 4-0 away at Manchester United this evening. As bad as Manchester United are playing, I feel Bournemouth will face a big defeat.

It was luck and was just looking at the clubs' home and away form. 

Anyway, I was looking the results of the past weekend and was expecting a United win in the 'theatre of dreams'.  Lmao.  But no...  It looks like Bournemouth fought valiantly and got a point out of the whole ordeal.  Lolol 

For the next set of fixtures, what do you guys think of the genius Moyes taking on Arsenal at home?  You guys think he could outfox Arteta this weekend? 

[igebotz]

He better not make the type of signings they did last 2-3 seasons.

It's the owners project, Enzo Mascara accepted it that way before he signed - he has no say in the club scouting and transfer business. He only tell the club what position that needs strengthening and that's all. We have group of assembled avatar going round and making those transfers.

For the next set of fixtures, what do you guys think of the genius Moyes taking on Arsenal at home?  You guys think he could outfox Arteta this weekend? 

The Everton I watched against Chelsea last weekend isn't going to take anything from Arsenal this weekend. Man, they were terrible and KDH also got injured -  Arsenal to cover -1.5 Asian handicap is 2.75 odds, another game I'm looking forward to is Totteham @3.44 against Liverpool.

[JollyGood]

Meanwhile, who ever brought about the idea of making a contract with Garnacho has failed as a scout. This is not about being given sometime to adapt to the league, this is straight flop!

Garnacho has potential but is not achieving anywhere near what he is capable of doing. He did the same at Manchester United and now he is doing the same at Chelsea. I do feel though if he was given a run of games, it would give him confidence and improve his situation. If he manages to get an assist or goal in his next game it will help him.

For the next set of fixtures, what do you guys think of the genius Moyes taking on Arsenal at home?  You guys think he could outfox Arteta this weekend?  

That really should be a win for Arsenal. Everton are playing at home therefore there is a chance they could cause an upset but it seems highly unlikely. I think most Everton fans would accept a draw knowing they are hosting the Premier League leaders.

[tokeweed]

For the next set of fixtures, what do you guys think of the genius Moyes taking on Arsenal at home?  You guys think he could outfox Arteta this weekend? 

The Everton I watched against Chelsea last weekend isn't going to take anything from Arsenal this weekend. Man, they were terrible and KDH also got injured -  Arsenal to cover -1.5 Asian handicap is 2.75 odds, another game I'm looking forward to is Totteham @3.44 against Liverpool.

I don't like laying -1.5 against the genius Moyes at home tbqh..  If I were betting on Arsenal, I'd prolly just bet on Arsenal win to nil.  Moyes could make this ugly and make that back 4 and a couple of midfielders covering the half spaces.

I wouldn't surprised if Arsenal wins with a 1 - 0 score line.

Again...  It's the genius Moyes.  Lolol.

[igebotz]

I don't like laying -1.5 against the genius Moyes at home tbqh..  If I were betting on Arsenal, I'd prolly just bet on Arsenal win to nil.  Moyes could make this ugly and make that back 4 and a couple of midfielders covering the half spaces.

I wouldn't surprised if Arsenal wins with a 1 - 0 score line.

Again...  It's the genius Moyes.  Lolol.

Win to nill? Don't do it not worth the risk- that's one barbaric market options I dislike.

Manchester city seriously considering Enzo Mascara as Pep replacement if he leaves at the Summer and our stupid owners are here pissing him off unprovoked. Dumping Chelsea for City project would be easy decision from him. From Delap to Halaand. Lol

[tokeweed]

^  Sometimes win to nil is the only option.    And if the odds look like it's +EV, then why not take it.

As for Mascara, you can't really blame Man City for trying to poach him.  The club puts him on high regard as he managed City's under 21 squad a few years back and loved him.  He was also a first team assistant under Guardiola during that successful season of 2022 - 2023. 

I'm pretty sure Guardiola hand picked him as one of his possible replacements.

[JollyGood]

These are the results of the games played Saturday 20th December:

Newcastle United 2-2 Chelsea
Bournemouth 1-1 Burnley
Brighton and Hove Albion Brighton 0-0 Sunderland
Manchester City 3-0 West Ham United
Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-2 Brentford
Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Liverpool
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
Leeds United 4-1 Crystal Palace

Arsenal and Manchester City are gaining points whilst Chelsea are dropping points. Wolves lost at home again and are favourites to be relegated. Aston Villa host Manchester United later today. Fulham host Nottingham Forest tomorrow.

[igebotz]

^  Sometimes win to nil is the only option.    And if the odds look like it's +EV, then why not take it.

As for Mascara, you can't really blame Man City for trying to poach him.  The club puts him on high regard as he managed City's under 21 squad a few years back and loved him.  He was also a first team assistant under Guardiola during that successful season of 2022 - 2023. 

I'm pretty sure Guardiola hand picked him as one of his possible replacements.

Win to nil worked but Everton was robbed of an obvious penalty - it's not option I'm comfortable with.

Pep and Manchester city should look away - those bastards are trying to take advantage of Enzo Mascara situation with our owners to lure him away. At City he would have a lot of freedom to do whatever he wants and sign whoever he wants. That's every managers dream job.

[tokeweed]

^  Yeah it worked out...  And Arsenal did get lucky.  But I did say that 1 - 0 would be the most likely result if Arsenal won the game.  So even if it ended with a scoreless draw, it would be close enough.

But from what I had said of the match first, I also did say that the genius Moyes could make this ugly at home...  In my mind I was leaning on a double chance for Everton.

[igebotz]

Semenyo accepted Manchester city over Manchester United and Liverpool; I'd say it was the easiest decision ever and that's another ugly side of including release clause in a contract - in most cases it gives out players who should worth more out in cheaper prices. Semenyo in the current market is worth around £70-80m, he's the best shot taker in the league. He's moving next month, good to say Arsenal title charge is gone.

Chelsea did bid £1m  for him in 2019 when he was only 19 I guess and got rejected by his championship team. Guess it was the best decision for his development. Sadly he's exactly what we need at LW.

[tokeweed]

What fixtures are you guys looking at betting wise for the coming weekend?  The only match that I kinda have a strong feeling on is Brentford vs Bournemouth.  Just by looking at each of their last 6 games, it feels like it's gonna be an easy win for Brentford.  And at 2.25, I think it's +EV...

What do you guys think?

And hopefully this thread gets more people sharing their leans or their picks.  Most of everybody are posting in the slop filled EPL threads.

[JollyGood]

The game of the day has to be at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are at home to Aston Villa in a very important game fixture. In the early game, Nottingham Forest are capable of causing an upset against Manchester City. As for Brentford vs Bournemouth, I think that will end in a draw.

[igebotz]

What fixtures are you guys looking at betting wise for the coming weekend?  The only match that I kinda have a strong feeling on is Brentford vs Bournemouth.  Just by looking at each of their last 6 games, it feels like it's gonna be an easy win for Brentford.  And at 2.25, I think it's +EV...

What do you guys think?

And hopefully this thread gets more people sharing their leans or their picks.  Most of everybody are posting in the slop filled EPL threads.

I've asked Jolly to recruit more football gambling fans to the thread - lol maybe we see some next year but I'm okay with the 3 of us talking to ourselves  better than having spammers on the thread.

To your pick: I'm looking at GG & O2.5 goals in that fixture and also in Ars- BH, Chel- Ast fixtures too. I'm curious why we're having only one game on boxing Day this season.

[KTChampions]

What fixtures are you guys looking at betting wise for the coming weekend?  The only match that I kinda have a strong feeling on is Brentford vs Bournemouth.  Just by looking at each of their last 6 games, it feels like it's gonna be an easy win for Brentford.  And at 2.25, I think it's +EV...

What do you guys think?

And hopefully this thread gets more people sharing their leans or their picks.  Most of everybody are posting in the slop filled EPL threads.

I like the bet on Chelsea vs. Aston Villa. Aston Villa's fairytale has dragged on, just like Chelsea's nightmare. I expect a return to the mean here.
I also like the multiple bet on Arsenal and City - the overall odds are good, but keep in mind that for me, betting on City, even when I lose, is a joy because City loses points. I'm confident about Arsenal, they've exhausted their point-dropping potential for now.
Still waiting for damn United to come to their senses, but there's no point in talking about cash bets here.