⚽ Premier League 2026/2027 Discussion Thread ⚽

[WatChe]

Yeah they are having a good start and won all five games. But Brighton, for example, won 3 out of 5 and are currently on the 3rd place. Doesn't mean they have a chance to finish anywhere near the top-3.

Man City still has structure issues in the midfield since Rodri left. The players are still used to Guardiola's football although Maresca understands it and is doing surprisingly well not imposing serious changes yet. Overall i think they will finish 3rd or maybe even 2nd but I don't believe they will be champions this season.

Brighton are highest goal scorer after 5 matches, they have scored 16 goals in 5 matches. Man City are second in terms of number of goals scored with 13 goals. Brighton has lost just one game and that was against Chelsea that too was high scoring game 4-3. If Brighton keep scoring goals like that then they have bright chances of qualifying for champions league next season. To me it looks like Man City are among top contender to win this season, lets wait for few more weeks so that picture gets more clear.   

[ndutndut]

Yeah they are having a good start and won all five games. But Brighton, for example, won 3 out of 5 and are currently on the 3rd place. Doesn't mean they have a chance to finish anywhere near the top-3.

Man City still has structure issues in the midfield since Rodri left. The players are still used to Guardiola's football although Maresca understands it and is doing surprisingly well not imposing serious changes yet. Overall i think they will finish 3rd or maybe even 2nd but I don't believe they will be champions this season.

Brighton are highest goal scorer after 5 matches, they have scored 16 goals in 5 matches. Man City are second in terms of number of goals scored with 13 goals. Brighton has lost just one game and that was against Chelsea that too was high scoring game 4-3. If Brighton keep scoring goals like that then they have bright chances of qualifying for champions league next season. To me it looks like Man City are among top contender to win this season, lets wait for few more weeks so that picture gets more clear.   

Brighton has actually been performing quite well so far, especially in scoring goals they’ve been pretty productive, and even when they lost to Chelsea, they managed to score two goals. Brighton confidence has increased after beating Manchester United in an impressive way with an amazing comeback, followed by a win against the defending champions Arsenal. So it’s very understandable that many people predict Brighton could finish in the top 4, but considering the EPL has only played 5 matches so far, I’m not sure Brighton will secure a spot in next season’s Champions League.

Because the EPL is always tight and competitive, not just in the race for the EPL trophy but also in the fight for a UCL spot. Considering the journey is still very long, I doubt Brighton can maintain their consistency given that their squad depth isn’t as good as Chelsea, Liverpool or even Man United. But whatever it is, Brighton’s performance so far deserves appreciation especially after beating Arsenal who are a solid team and the defending champions. We’ll just have to see if Brighton can keep their consistency.

[Alonso_]

I still don’t get why a lot of people still look down at this Manchester city team, even if nothing have improved, I believe defensively they have improved than last season. A lot of things still need to be worked on but so far Manchester city should be considered a serious team, and if they win the premier league this season I won’t even be surprised at all.

Maresca is a good coach, he have gained a premier league experience with Chelsea, so he knows how to win matches in the league now. Their reinforcements in that midfield after they lost Rodri is top notch, the 3 players they signed are really good, I believe they have a team that can win the premier league.

The reason why Manchester City are underrated this season is because of the coach and player changes. We cannot judge a team or manager based on the performance of just a few matches. A manager's true effectiveness is felt in the middle of the season when the main squad has to be rested due to injuries or player fatigue. How he maintains the continuity of the team in such critical moments is his effectiveness. We can judge him based on how effective he is during these times. Manchester City are still getting a chance to play with the starting XI, so they should not be looked at too highly right now.

I don’t think anyone is underestimating Manchester City, maybe you’re the one underestimating them, they’re top of the Premier League Table, so why would someone who knows football and understands what football is all about be underestimating Manchester City, now you have to consider the investment they’ve made in the midfield this season and you have to look at that as something massive by spending huge amounts of money in the Transfer window, but I don’t think they can win the Premier League Title this season, so many things are just working against the future of the club, after they were found guilty of the 114 count charge out of the 115 that they did receive, so all this have to be considered because as a player you need to ask yourself questions about the future of the club and fans are also going to get worried about the future of the club.

[Adbitco]

Finally, at least there's a headway in this case even though I'm not convinced a serious punishment will be melted on Manchester City, how can a team have some many count charges and if hasn't been resolved for donkey years, how many teams gets up to this before their case is being decided and punishment melted. Chelsea has been punished more than once, Everton has been punished as well. Funny enough what these 2 clubs had been punished for are included in City's case yet nothing so far. I had this feeling that they were given a special treatment, I can see people talking about this news of City being guilty. Premier league will just ask them to pay a certain amount of money, in my opinion, I still don't see any serious punishment they would receive, I would be surprised if they receive a suitable punishment after their appeal, but I'm seriously not banking on that.

[Versatile_choice]

The reason why Manchester City are underrated this season is because of the coach and player changes. We cannot judge a team or manager based on the performance of just a few matches.

I don’t think anyone is underestimating Manchester City, maybe you’re the one underestimating them, they’re top of the Premier League Table, so why would someone who knows football and understands what football is all about be underestimating Manchester City, now you have to consider the investment they’ve made in the midfield this season and you have to look at that as something massive by spending huge amounts of money in the Transfer window, but I don’t think they can win the Premier League Title this season, so many things are just working against the future of the club, after they were found guilty of the 114 count charge out of the 115 that they did receive, so all this have to be considered because as a player you need to ask yourself questions about the future of the club and fans are also going to get worried about the future of the club.

Perhaps he is referring to manchester united because manchester city performance is so good that people are saying a lot of good things about them, If truly that there are people who are underestimating them then I would say that those people does not understand football. You know right from the very first day I heard that pep have resigned or is no longer coaching manchester city I felt disappointed, yet I didn't underestimate them rather i was saying that manchester city will look different this season but I was amazed when I saw things moving smoothly for them.

[Abbatty]

Yeah they are having a good start and won all five games. But Brighton, for example, won 3 out of 5 and are currently on the 3rd place. Doesn't mean they have a chance to finish anywhere near the top-3.

Man City still has structure issues in the midfield since Rodri left. The players are still used to Guardiola's football although Maresca understands it and is doing surprisingly well not imposing serious changes yet. Overall i think they will finish 3rd or maybe even 2nd but I don't believe they will be champions this season.

Brighton are highest goal scorer after 5 matches, they have scored 16 goals in 5 matches. Man City are second in terms of number of goals scored with 13 goals. Brighton has lost just one game and that was against Chelsea that too was high scoring game 4-3. If Brighton keep scoring goals like that then they have bright chances of qualifying for champions league next season. To me it looks like Man City are among top contender to win this season, lets wait for few more weeks so that picture gets more clear.   

It not the first time we are seeing Brighton starting the season in this manner, but the problem is to keep consistent with such performance. The big boys in the league are not really Brighton problem, but it the teams from the mid table and the ones battling for relegation. Brighton is a good side but I don’t see them getting a champions league football for next season.

Manchester city like you said are serious contenders for winning the league today, but they will have to keep consistent with their performance. They are still yet lose or even drop a point in the league this season, but they will need to keep that performance, because definitely they will face serious competition.

[Oluwa-btc]

The club fans are obviously frustrated and if you consider what they've been going through all these years, you'll agree with me that their frustrations are very much valid.

The club management has largely contributed to the club's poor results over the last one decade. You don't expect these fans who were once used to enjoying exciting football and winning trophies to accept what's currently happening at the club.

If boycotting will help the club management sit up or allow a change in management, then I think it'll be a good one for them.

Cheers to the fans. Sometimes I do think of them like these slobheaded Nigerian youths refusing to rebel against a system which has in several ways made them poor and poorer. Manchester United fans deserves better.

Both the glazers and ineos are sub standards, they  should leave the club.

Boycotting is a way that should be effective. They have sent the club backwards. It is high time we follow a new path.

[HyperCodexV]

Finally, at least there's a headway in this case even though I'm not convinced a serious punishment will be melted on Manchester City, how can a team have some many count charges and if hasn't been resolved for donkey years, how many teams gets up to this before their case is being decided and punishment melted. Chelsea has been punished more than once, Everton has been punished as well. Funny enough what these 2 clubs had been punished for are included in City's case yet nothing so far. I had this feeling that they were given a special treatment, I can see people talking about this news of City being guilty. Premier league will just ask them to pay a certain amount of money, in my opinion, I still don't see any serious punishment they would receive, I would be surprised if they receive a suitable punishment after their appeal, but I'm seriously not banking on that.

With the way punishment was quickly dished out to Everton and Chelsea, one will expect the same equal move against City, but as usual there is always a double standard when it comes down to football politics and we all know the reason behind why many cases dragged on for years, It is that multi billion dollar Arabian money that is involved at the background. So naturally, the disciplinary board will definitely have to tread with caution. They are fully aware of the political and financial power backing the club, so they will be terrified of making any moves that could spark some not so legal or diplomatic war. Even if the commission declares them guilty on a few counts, the final verdict of the punishment will be a bit light because the league simply can't afford to destroy relationships with such wealthy owners.

[Die_empty]

Finally, at least there's a headway in this case even though I'm not convinced a serious punishment will be melted on Manchester City, how can a team have some many count charges and if hasn't been resolved for donkey years, how many teams gets up to this before their case is being decided and punishment melted. Chelsea has been punished more than once, Everton has been punished as well. Funny enough what these 2 clubs had been punished for are included in City's case yet nothing so far. I had this feeling that they were given a special treatment, I can see people talking about this news of City being guilty. Premier league will just ask them to pay a certain amount of money, in my opinion, I still don't see any serious punishment they would receive, I would be surprised if they receive a suitable punishment after their appeal, but I'm seriously not banking on that.

This is a big blow to Manchester City as they were found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges. No sanctions have been announced yet. However, according to the Premier League’s handbook, the club could face an unlimited fine,  points deduction, or even expulsion from the league. The club might also lose some of its Premier League trophies it won during the period under consideration. The club made a statement claiming that they are innocent and will appeal the judgement.

English clubs that took second position when City won the Premier League might be crowned champions if the judgment is upheld by higher judicial bodies. While other clubs are seeking legal advice on whether they are entitled to compensation from City,

[EL MOHA]

This is a big blow to Manchester City as they were found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges. No sanctions have been announced yet. However, according to the Premier League’s handbook, the club could face an unlimited fine,  points deduction, or even expulsion from the league. The club might also lose some of its Premier League trophies it won during the period under consideration. The club made a statement claiming that they are innocent and will appeal the judgement.

English clubs that took second position when City won the Premier League might be crowned champions if the judgment is upheld by higher judicial bodies. While other clubs are seeking legal advice on whether they are entitled to compensation from City,

With no exact sanction stated, I think that they will lessen the hefty penalties because I don’t fully trust them to be honest, we might not even see them get points deduction, relegation and even stripping of their titles. We might end up seeing them getting hefty monetary fines only. I don’t trust this officials right from how such a high number of charges have been ongoing for more than how Many years with even smaller cases like that of Everton and Leicester city who had few charges and were immediately sanctioned.

Many club fans including Manchester who have not won trophies for years are actually celebrating this one because they Finished second in like two occasions. But they should relax I don’t think that will be the sanction.

[SatoPrincess]

Finally, at least there's a headway in this case even though I'm not convinced a serious punishment will be melted on Manchester City, how can a team have some many count charges and if hasn't been resolved for donkey years, how many teams gets up to this before their case is being decided and punishment melted. Chelsea has been punished more than once, Everton has been punished as well. Funny enough what these 2 clubs had been punished for are included in City's case yet nothing so far. I had this feeling that they were given a special treatment, I can see people talking about this news of City being guilty. Premier league will just ask them to pay a certain amount of money, in my opinion, I still don't see any serious punishment they would receive, I would be surprised if they receive a suitable punishment after their appeal, but I'm seriously not banking on that.

I knew the end was near when Pep left the club, he probably knew that the club was going to be found guilty this year. However I’m concerned that even though City have been found guilty, the premier league still will not be able to punish them accordingly. The right thing to do would be to strip them of their titles but we know that’s not going to happen. The Saudis have invested heavily in the club and in Manchester’s economy. I’m afraid they do not want to lose the flow of that oil money in the PL.

[len01]

Judging by your screenshot, where BTTS is priced at 2.05, we can assume that BTTS No was around 1.80. But even these odds are unusual, since the BTTS Yes option is typically the favorite - sometimes with laughably low odds around 1.40 - 1.50 or even lower, making them hardly worth betting on.
By the way i looked at the Brighton manager's reasoning, he's some kind of demon, I'm not surprised that they play so well, but he has a tough approach and it won't work at any top club, the players will quickly get rid of him. All in all, knowing what I know now, I would place that BTTS Yes bet at odds of 2.05 every single day without hesitation.

At first, I also thought that BTTS no should have been at least 1.80, or maybe 1.70, which would still have been worth betting on. But actually, odds of 1.47 would also have been acceptable if I had chosen BTTS no, since the total odds would only have dropped to 10.8, which is still a decent amount.

And honestly, I don't know why you said the Brighton manager is some kind of demon. Could you explain what you mean by that? I don't really follow Brighton news.

[KTChampions]

Judging by your screenshot, where BTTS is priced at 2.05, we can assume that BTTS No was around 1.80. But even these odds are unusual, since the BTTS Yes option is typically the favorite - sometimes with laughably low odds around 1.40 - 1.50 or even lower, making them hardly worth betting on.
By the way i looked at the Brighton manager's reasoning, he's some kind of demon, I'm not surprised that they play so well, but he has a tough approach and it won't work at any top club, the players will quickly get rid of him. All in all, knowing what I know now, I would place that BTTS Yes bet at odds of 2.05 every single day without hesitation.

At first, I also thought that BTTS no should have been at least 1.80, or maybe 1.70, which would still have been worth betting on. But actually, odds of 1.47 would also have been acceptable if I had chosen BTTS no, since the total odds would only have dropped to 10.8, which is still a decent amount.

And honestly, I don't know why you said the Brighton manager is some kind of demon. Could you explain what you mean by that? I don't really follow Brighton news.

Fabian Hürzeler explains his strict philosophy and how he deals with players who lack effort:
“We have red lines and non-negotiable principles. When we lose the ball, we must win it back within five seconds, and everyone must sprint back at full speed.
If a player doesn’t do that in training, I stop the session and make the whole team run as punishment. The next day, we show the clip in the video meeting in front of everyone. No player wants to be embarrassed in front of his teammates for not running.”

https://www.facebook.com/61589317884129/posts/fabian-h%C3%BCrzeler-explains-his-strict-philosophy-and-how-he-deals-with-players-who/122125132419310596/

Sorry for the Facebook link, I saw this in a video somewhere, but I can't find where anymore.
The rules are quite strict, but the point is that training also shapes your mindset, which helps later in games. Discipline and hard work always yield results. But I think you understand that in order to establish such rules, he must have complete power and zero competition - I don’t think this is possible in modern top clubs because there are inevitably players who have a big ego and “weigh” no less than the coach. This works at the lower and middle levels, but not above them.

[Solodoski]

Manchester United fans are currently fuming for the past four days online and offline. There's a massive boycotting going on effectively with the speed of light. Fans are disappointed with the glazers and the same time ineos who they thought bought the footballing aspect of the club to make things right and correctly. TV subscription, shopping online, cancellation of season long tickets and many more are going down as we speak. It feels good to see the Manchester United fans United on on objectives and it is that, both the glazers and ineos will have to sit up or improve to win the Premier League Competition 

I think Manchester United has every right to be angry with the way the owners has been handling the club in recent years. Manchester United is one of the biggest club in the world, but right now they are a shadow of themselves.  They are not winning games, the hardly qualify for champions league football,  not to talk about winning trophies.  This is not the standard at Manchester United,  so I think the fans are doing the right thing to make the owners sit up and change the situation of the club.

[TastyChillySauce00]

Finally, at least there's a headway in this case even though I'm not convinced a serious punishment will be melted on Manchester City, how can a team have some many count charges and if hasn't been resolved for donkey years, how many teams gets up to this before their case is being decided and punishment melted. Chelsea has been punished more than once, Everton has been punished as well. Funny enough what these 2 clubs had been punished for are included in City's case yet nothing so far. I had this feeling that they were given a special treatment, I can see people talking about this news of City being guilty. Premier league will just ask them to pay a certain amount of money, in my opinion, I still don't see any serious punishment they would receive, I would be surprised if they receive a suitable punishment after their appeal, but I'm seriously not banking on that.

That's what i'm thinking about. It seems the punish is gonna be a slightly worsen than Chelsea.

1. Lengthly Transfer ban
2. Bigger fine

It makes no sense to expect a title stripe or relegation due to it. There will be no point deduction to be given, and i think it takes more years to finish this case, though i wanna see it to be solved asap.  All of eyes in City now, and i'm wondering what's gonna be public reaction if the only fine and transfer ban will be given to City.
City was not doing the same like Juventus did by bribed the referee and did match fixing. So i'm thinking it will not be more than sanctions we talked about.

[Charcol]

Finally, at least there's a headway in this case even though I'm not convinced a serious punishment will be melted on Manchester City, how can a team have some many count charges and if hasn't been resolved for donkey years, how many teams gets up to this before their case is being decided and punishment melted. Chelsea has been punished more than once, Everton has been punished as well. Funny enough what these 2 clubs had been punished for are included in City's case yet nothing so far. I had this feeling that they were given a special treatment, I can see people talking about this news of City being guilty. Premier league will just ask them to pay a certain amount of money, in my opinion, I still don't see any serious punishment they would receive, I would be surprised if they receive a suitable punishment after their appeal, but I'm seriously not banking on that.

The fact that so many cases have been going on for years makes it seem like they are getting a special treatment. It makes me wonder if Everton or Chelsea could have had a quick decision in their case, but Manchester City's case has dragged on for so long. While it is true that Everton admitted their financial breaches, Everton were probably deducted points later. Again, Chelsea's case is almost the same, they also admitted their old financial irregularities and later accepted fines and penalties.

However, Manchester City's case has been subject to many allegations and they have denied the allegations against them from the beginning. Perhaps this is also a reason why their case has not yet been decided.

[SatoPrincess]

This is a big blow to Manchester City as they were found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges. No sanctions have been announced yet. However, according to the Premier League’s handbook, the club could face an unlimited fine,  points deduction, or even expulsion from the league. The club might also lose some of its Premier League trophies it won during the period under consideration. The club made a statement claiming that they are innocent and will appeal the judgement.

English clubs that took second position when City won the Premier League might be crowned champions if the judgment is upheld by higher judicial bodies. While other clubs are seeking legal advice on whether they are entitled to compensation from City,

Would be a big blow if they were not guilty, they knew the case would eventually come to an end and prepared for it. Manchester City are reportedly making plans to appeal. Judging by how this case was dragged for so long, I get the feeling that Manchester City are going to come out of this unscathed. Fines and Points deductions isn’t a satisfactory punishment imo because Manchester City are not winning the league this season so losing points doesn’t really change much for them. If the premier league are being fair, they should take away the titles City won during those years.

[Uhde]

Finally, at least there's a headway in this case even though I'm not convinced a serious punishment will be melted on Manchester City, how can a team have some many count charges and if hasn't been resolved for donkey years, how many teams gets up to this before their case is being decided and punishment melted. Chelsea has been punished more than once, Everton has been punished as well. Funny enough what these 2 clubs had been punished for are included in City's case yet nothing so far. I had this feeling that they were given a special treatment, I can see people talking about this news of City being guilty. Premier league will just ask them to pay a certain amount of money, in my opinion, I still don't see any serious punishment they would receive, I would be surprised if they receive a suitable punishment after their appeal, but I'm seriously not banking on that.

The fact that so many cases have been going on for years makes it seem like they are getting a special treatment. It makes me wonder if Everton or Chelsea could have had a quick decision in their case, but Manchester City's case has dragged on for so long. While it is true that Everton admitted their financial breaches, Everton were probably deducted points later. Again, Chelsea's case is almost the same, they also admitted their old financial irregularities and later accepted fines and penalties.

However, Manchester City's case has been subject to many allegations and they have denied the allegations against them from the beginning. Perhaps this is also a reason why their case has not yet been decided.

it’s interesting that they were found guilty on 114 out of 115 charges... pretty much stating the obvious for what everyone already knew.
looking at social media, Liverpool, Arsenal and even Man United fans have started talking about the possibility of Man City being stripped of their titles. if they hand down a punishment like that, things are going to get even more interesting.

[Nheer]

I think Manchester United has every right to be angry with the way the owners has been handling the club in recent years. Manchester United is one of the biggest club in the world, but right now they are a shadow of themselves.  They are not winning games, the hardly qualify for champions league football,  not to talk about winning trophies.  This is not the standard at Manchester United,  so I think the fans are doing the right thing to make the owners sit up and change the situation of the club.

The inconsistency is really a thing to worry about and the fans I think have every right to be angry with the management because a lot seems to be wrong and they're not making efforts to make it right. There is a lot of things that needs fixing but they are throwing a blind eye to it and it's making things worse. United used to be one of the best teams in the world but now they are no where near the top and all due to the owners negligence.

I think as of now I consider them an average club, they got lucky to have even qualify to the champions league. With their recent performance I don't see them going far in the champions league and the EPL.

[sergiorus]

Yeah they are having a good start and won all five games. But Brighton, for example, won 3 out of 5 and are currently on the 3rd place. Doesn't mean they have a chance to finish anywhere near the top-3.

Man City still has structure issues in the midfield since Rodri left. The players are still used to Guardiola's football although Maresca understands it and is doing surprisingly well not imposing serious changes yet. Overall i think they will finish 3rd or maybe even 2nd but I don't believe they will be champions this season.

Brighton are highest goal scorer after 5 matches, they have scored 16 goals in 5 matches. Man City are second in terms of number of goals scored with 13 goals. Brighton has lost just one game and that was against Chelsea that too was high scoring game 4-3. If Brighton keep scoring goals like that then they have bright chances of qualifying for champions league next season. To me it looks like Man City are among top contender to win this season, lets wait for few more weeks so that picture gets more clear.  

Yea, Brighton are the typical outlier. That happens almost every season and only proves that the first few matches mean nothing. Obviously they won't end up in top-3 at the end of the season. They are not a strong team and it was mostly luck.

Same goes for Man City, although they are definitely among favourites and most likely will finish in top-3, those 5 games don't mean anything just yet. A long and difficult season ahead.