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

[igebotz]

Keeping that aside, Rodri did not help his cause by getting a second yellow cards inside 53 seconds of receiving the first. It will be very difficult for him to get back anywhere near to the level he used have before the injury. Maybe a prolonged period of being eased back in to the first team might help but how many of the current squad will stay if/when Guardiola leaves at the end of the season?

No, he need a to keep fit before WC and besides Pep is trying to play him to match fitness - I don't think bench would help him much. Probably his last WC.

What are your bets for the fixtures this coming weekend?  I got Fulham to win against Brighton and BTTS combo at 4.40, Liverpool to win against Bournemouth and BTTS combo at 3.20 and the draw for the Newcastle vs Aston Villa match and the BTTS combo at 4.20.

What do you guys think?  These look like long shots but for some reason I feel good betting on all of them.  Will this be one of those 'why did I even make these bets' kind of moments or am I actually a genius? 

Nice bets if you have $60 to play around with, you could single all with $20 - the possibility of 2/3 is very likely.  I don't like the New -Villa pick ( hate to go draw )!

[tokeweed]

^  You think Aston Villa will win against Newcastle away?  Last three matches by Newcastle at home has been ok thus far and Aston Villa playing in away games has been doing decent this season too.  So I'm hesitant to pick a side here.  The gut says it's a draw and that both teams get at least a goal each. 

Again, it's either I'm gonna look like a genius or dumb.  I don't really mind if it's the latter tho.  Lolol. 

Anyway, how about you guys?  What are your picks this weekend?

[igebotz]

Liverpool has returned to default settings; Salah has rejoined the team - I'm not sure what miracle the Liverpool owners are expecting Slot to do because it's clear as day that he's shit and can't manage the Liverpool squad. I saw the starting eleven and couldn't understand why Ekitike was benched and why he chose to play against a dreadful defensive Bournemouth without a striker. He underestimated them and was punished. A good result for us anyway.

Xabi Alonso is on the market, I don't trust him much but he'd do a better job than Slot if given a chance.


I went from a fantastic gambling day to zero last minute due to greed - I hit may target for the day with Bournemouth - Liverpool game but decided to play around few more markets and that was how I lost everything. Damn it  telling you because you asked 

[JollyGood]

Now that Alonso is available, do you think the Liverpool owners will be tempted to sack Slot and allow Alonso to take his place? After what happened yesterday against Bournemouth, Slot is in danger of losing what little support he has within the dressing room and the fans. Ekitike deserves to be starting every game, he brings a freshness and attacking style that Liverpool need. Keeping their Premier League success from last season in mind, how on earth have Liverpool become a shadow of the team from last season?

[igebotz]

Now that Alonso is available, do you think the Liverpool owners will be tempted to sack Slot and allow Alonso to take his place? After what happened yesterday against Bournemouth, Slot is in danger of losing what little support he has within the dressing room and the fans. Ekitike deserves to be starting every game, he brings a freshness and attacking style that Liverpool need. Keeping their Premier League success from last season in mind, how on earth have Liverpool become a shadow of the team from last season?

It easy when you inherited a super team than actually building one - Slot dismantled the winning team from last season. Sold Nunez, sold Diaz and lost Jota and theses players were not adequately replaced and they lost the Klopp sparks.

Xabi Alonso may not be what they need for long term but I'm certain he'd do a better job than Slot.

That's 3/4 for Liam: massive push for the top 4 race..

[examplens]

It easy when you inherited a super team than actually building one - Slot dismantled the winning team from last season. Sold Nunez, sold Diaz and lost Jota and theses players were not adequately replaced and they lost the Klopp sparks.

You forgot that Trent is also sold. It seems that without him, Salah is just a pale shadow of the player he once was. I'm not sure how much Slot's fault is in VVD's desperate games. What he is doing this season is quite funny, but for some reason he is also mandatory in the first team.
Chelsea and Man United have good results after sacking managers, maybe Liverpool will decide on a similar step.

[igebotz]

You forgot that Trent is also sold. It seems that without him, Salah is just a pale shadow of the player he once was. I'm not sure how much Slot's fault is in VVD's desperate games. What he is doing this season is quite funny, but for some reason he is also mandatory in the first team.
Chelsea and Man United have good results after sacking managers, maybe Liverpool will decide on a similar step.

Yeah I forgot about him, he was Salah's biggest tool -  Salah's strength is just pace, now there's no one putting him on those passes as Trents used to.

VVD has been awful recently, he needs help but Slot needs to go too too. . 

[tokeweed]

Now that Alonso is available, do you think the Liverpool owners will be tempted to sack Slot and allow Alonso to take his place? After what happened yesterday against Bournemouth, Slot is in danger of losing what little support he has within the dressing room and the fans. Ekitike deserves to be starting every game, he brings a freshness and attacking style that Liverpool need. Keeping their Premier League success from last season in mind, how on earth have Liverpool become a shadow of the team from last season?

I think they should at least go ask Alonso what's up with up and put him under serious consideration.  His failure in Real Madrid shouldn't be seen as that.  As I said before, he went in there too early in his managerial career.  He should've at least went in the EPL first and have gotten more experience via Liverpool before going to Madrid.

So yeah...  No surprise he was a flop over there.  The club was simply to demanding and too big for what he had to offer.

[igebotz]

I think they should at least go ask Alonso what's up with up and put him under serious consideration.  His failure in Real Madrid shouldn't be seen as that.  As I said before, he went in there too early in his managerial career.  He should've at least went in the EPL first and have gotten more experience via Liverpool before going to Madrid.

So yeah...  No surprise he was a flop over there.  The club was simply to demanding and too big for what he had to offer.

Moving from an unbeaten season to Real Madrid was the most easiest route, it'd be be difficult or impossible if he had moved to Liverpool first. You barely see any manager moving from the premier league to Spain nowadays. The money, the competition, everyone love it there.

I wouldn't say he failed, the season was far from over, he left for his sanity. Real Madrid is a very toxic place.

[JollyGood]

Xabi Alonso may not be what they need for long term but I'm certain he'd do a better job than Slot.

Slot is facing great difficulty and feeling the immense pressure too. I think he will not resign but the board might have to take action, if not now then definitely at the end of the season. Alonso can have a significantly positive impact on the players, the Liverpool board will probably keep that in mind when working out what to do.

I think they should at least go ask Alonso what's up with up and put him under serious consideration.  His failure in Real Madrid shouldn't be seen as that.  As I said before, he went in there too early in his managerial career.  He should've at least went in the EPL first and have gotten more experience via Liverpool before going to Madrid.

So yeah...  No surprise he was a flop over there.  The club was simply to demanding and too big for what he had to offer.

If I recall correctly, the reason for his dismissal was not the recent bad run of results. It was because he was clashing with two senior players and in order to keep them happy, the board decided to choose them over Alonso. I think he will be under consideration because Slot could be sacked and they should make plans.

[tokeweed]

I think they should at least go ask Alonso what's up with up and put him under serious consideration.  His failure in Real Madrid shouldn't be seen as that.  As I said before, he went in there too early in his managerial career.  He should've at least went in the EPL first and have gotten more experience via Liverpool before going to Madrid.

So yeah...  No surprise he was a flop over there.  The club was simply to demanding and too big for what he had to offer.

Moving from an unbeaten season to Real Madrid was the most easiest route, it'd be be difficult or impossible if he had moved to Liverpool first. You barely see any manager moving from the premier league to Spain nowadays. The money, the competition, everyone love it there.

I wouldn't say he failed, the season was far from over, he left for his sanity. Real Madrid is a very toxic place.

Eh?  Lol...  No.  Here's the thing.  That season run in the Bundesliga could very may well be a fluke imho.  You think he's really that good of a manager to do it every year?  Doubt it.  And there's def more pressure in managing Real Madrid than Liverpool. 

Real Madrid just ain't any club where managers go from the EPL to La Liga.  It's the biggest club.  So I stand with my argument that Alonso should've gained more experience first and get tested with tough times as a manager.  He hasn't gone through that yet before Real Madrid...

[examplens]

I think they should at least go ask Alonso what's up with up and put him under serious consideration.  His failure in Real Madrid shouldn't be seen as that.  As I said before, he went in there too early in his managerial career.  He should've at least went in the EPL first and have gotten more experience via Liverpool before going to Madrid.

So yeah...  No surprise he was a flop over there.  The club was simply to demanding and too big for what he had to offer.

Moving from an unbeaten season to Real Madrid was the most easiest route, it'd be be difficult or impossible if he had moved to Liverpool first. You barely see any manager moving from the premier league to Spain nowadays. The money, the competition, everyone love it there.

I wouldn't say he failed, the season was far from over, he left for his sanity. Real Madrid is a very toxic place.

One good season does not make you a good manager. There are many such examples. Gerrard was very dominant with Rangers, only to show himself to be very bad at Villa, and later at Saud. Liverpool chose Slot rather than him, they didn't have enough trust. Amorim was excellent at Sporting, but he didn't do well at MU.
In fact, it is the most difficult to rebuild the team when several important players leave, and some completely new, unadapted ones come in. This is exactly what happened to Sloto and shows his true abilities. Alonso should have stayed at Leverkusen for another season or two, they would have known best what level he was at.

Eh?  Lol...  No.  Here's the thing.  That season run in the Bundesliga could very may well be a fluke imho.  You think he's really that good of a manager to do it every year?  Doubt it.  And there's def more pressure in managing Real Madrid than Liverpool. 

There is enormous pressure in every big club. The English media and public are probably the most cruel, for example, there is no club that is under more scrutiny and pressure than Man United.

[JollyGood]

These are the results of the games played last weekend:

Saturday 24th January
West Ham United 3-1 Sunderland
Burnley 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Fulham 2-1 Brighton and Hove Albion
Manchester City 2-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Bournemouth 3-2 Liverpool

Sunday 25th January
Brentford 0-2 Nottingham Forest
Crystal Palace 1-3 Chelsea
Newcastle United 0-2 Aston Villa
Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United
 
Monday 26th January
Everton 1-1 Leeds United

The result that stands out the most has to be Manchester United beating Arsenal. With that result in mind, the title race is wide open again because both Aston Villa and Manchester City won their games.

[igebotz]

One good season does not make you a good manager. There are many such examples. Gerrard was very dominant with Rangers, only to show himself to be very bad at Villa, and later at Saud. Liverpool chose Slot rather than him, they didn't have enough trust. Amorim was excellent at Sporting, but he didn't do well at MU.
In fact, it is the most difficult to rebuild the team when several important players leave, and some completely new, unadapted ones come in. This is exactly what happened to Sloto and shows his true abilities. Alonso should have stayed at Leverkusen for another season or two, they would have known best what level he was at.

I never said he was; I was against to the move and predicted he'd be fired if he didn't win the Spanish league - he's no different than Arne Slot, but I think he'd do a better job.

He knows the team so well; he understands the culture and banter. Both Amorim and Xabi destroyed a promising career in pursuit of higher cash.

Edit:

What was Rashford deal with Bacelona? I can't remember what the terms are, he has been such a fantastic addition. He has changed a lot and Carrick would be dying to recall him back to the squad. Bacelona are broke, thy can't keep.

[tokeweed]

Eh?  Lol...  No.  Here's the thing.  That season run in the Bundesliga could very may well be a fluke imho.  You think he's really that good of a manager to do it every year?  Doubt it.  And there's def more pressure in managing Real Madrid than Liverpool. 

There is enormous pressure in every big club. The English media and public are probably the most cruel, for example, there is no club that is under more scrutiny and pressure than Man United.

I mean sure...  But compare the pressure a manager receives between Real Madrid and Liverpool, from what we've seen the Real Madrid brass is way more demanding with their managers than the guys at Fenway Sports Group. 

Alonso will prolly be give another season in Liverpool and his history at the club will be seriously considered...  In Real Madrid?  Nope! 

[igebotz]

I mean sure...  But compare the pressure a manager receives between Real Madrid and Liverpool, from what we've seen the Real Madrid brass is way more demanding with their managers than the guys at Fenway Sports Group. 

Alonso will prolly be give another season in Liverpool and his history at the club will be seriously considered...  In Real Madrid?  Nope! 

Real Madrid are used to winning, they give their managers the best they could so the pressure is normal if things aren't going well. When you come to a club as big as Madrid, you're expected to start winning trophies from the first season no excuses.

The fans have got no respect for anyone there, their love language is trophy, if you're not winning, you're enemy.

Liverpool waited 30yrs to win their first EPL title - that's a lot of patient.

[JollyGood]

On the surface it is a simple deal that Barcelona agreed with Manchester United. They took Rashford on a season long loan and will pay his full salary. At the end of the season they have a choice to either sign him permanently for £26 million or not take up the option and he will return to Manchester United. Rashford earned around £325,000 per week but Barcelona refused to give him the same therefore had to take a pay cut to join them on loan.

The deal Manchester United have with Napoli for Hojlund is different. Napoli are obligated to buy Hojlund at the end of the season for £43.5million if they qualify for the Champions League. Even if they miss out on the Champions League they can still buy him for the same amount or send him back to Manchester United.

What was Rashford deal with Bacelona? I can't remember what the terms are, he has been such a fantastic addition. He has changed a lot and Carrick would be dying to recall him back to the squad. Bacelona are broke, thy can't keep.

[examplens]

I mean sure...  But compare the pressure a manager receives between Real Madrid and Liverpool, from what we've seen the Real Madrid brass is way more demanding with their managers than the guys at Fenway Sports Group. 

Alonso will prolly be give another season in Liverpool and his history at the club will be seriously considered...  In Real Madrid?  Nope! 

Real Madrid are used to winning, they give their managers the best they could so the pressure is normal if things aren't going well. When you come to a club as big as Madrid, you're expected to start winning trophies from the first season no excuses.

The fans have got no respect for anyone there, their love language is trophy, if you're not winning, you're enemy.

Liverpool waited 30yrs to win their first EPL title - that's a lot of patient.

It may not seem like it, but all clubs in England are much more patient with managers (except Chelsea) than others, especially Real Madrid.
And you're right, RM fans are so spoiled that they even boo CR7, their best scorer, then the best player in the world, after only a few weak games of the whole team.

Otherwise, I'm pretty sure that with Alonso, they wouldn't have experienced such shame last night.

[igebotz]

On the surface it is a simple deal that Barcelona agreed with Manchester United. They took Rashford on a season long loan and will pay his full salary. At the end of the season they have a choice to either sign him permanently for £26 million or not take up the option and he will return to Manchester United. Rashford earned around £325,000 per week but Barcelona refused to give him the same therefore had to take a pay cut to join them on loan.

That's a cheap deal all thanks to Amorim but I'm certain Barcelona won't be able to afford it, they're just going to milk him and let him go after the season so they will be able to register another kid in his place. He's worth more than £26m in today's market but no where near £325k/week.

It may not seem like it, but all clubs in England are much more patient with managers (except Chelsea) than others, especially Real Madrid.
And you're right, RM fans are so spoiled that they even boo CR7, their best scorer, then the best player in the world, after only a few weak games of the whole team.

Otherwise, I'm pretty sure that with Alonso, they wouldn't have experienced such shame last night.

Xabi Alonso managed 98% of their Champions League games, hence he is mainly to blame for their current position. The interim manager was only in charge of two Champions League games, one win and one loss. If Xabi had gained as many points as feasible, one loss would not have left them in this situation.

Real Madrid fans once booed Ramos and Marcelo too - they're spoilt brats...

[kbhutto]

]
It may not seem like it, but all clubs in England are much more patient with managers (except Chelsea) than others, especially Real Madrid.
And you're right, RM fans are so spoiled that they even boo CR7, their best scorer, then the best player in the world, after only a few weak games of the whole team.

Otherwise, I'm pretty sure that with Alonso, they wouldn't have experienced such shame last night.

Xabi Alonso managed 98% of their Champions League games, hence he is mainly to blame for their current position. The interim manager was only in charge of two Champions League games, one win and one loss. If Xabi had gained as many points as feasible, one loss would not have left them in this situation.

Real Madrid fans once booed Ramos and Marcelo too - they're spoilt brats...

So far Xabi Alonso has led the Champions League match very well There is a lot of pressure on him to advance to the next round despite criticism Whatever happens Xabi Alonso is responsible for their current position. When hearing Real Madrid fans once booed Ramos and Marcelo without them realizing the key to Real Madrid's game is very dependent on both of them, If Ramos and Marcello are absent in the Champions League then Real Madrid's performance will be weak in the defensive position, maybe those who boo do not follow every match that takes place.