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Posted by: Mack. 15th June 2023, 09:39 AM

The 2023/2024 season of the Barclays Premier League starts on Friday 11th August 2023.

Replacing the three relegated teams are: Burnley, Sheffield United and Luton Town
Pre-season managerial changes have occurred at Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur

Posted by: Mack. 15th June 2023, 09:48 AM

Odds: (Coral)

Man City 4/7f
Liverpool 15/2
Arsenal 8/1
Man Utd 9/1
Chelsea 14/1
Newcastle United 14/1
Brighton & Hove Albion 50/1
Tottenham Hotspur 50/1
Aston Villa 100/1
West Ham United 250/1
Brentford 500/1
Crystal Palace 500/1
Everton 500/1
Fulham 750/1
Wolverhampton Wanderers 750/1
Bournemouth 1000/1
Burnley 1000/1
Nottingham Forest 1000/1
Sheffield United 1000/1
Luton Town 1500/1

Posted by: Mack. 15th June 2023, 09:51 AM

First Round Fixtures In Full

Friday, 11 August

Burnley v Manchester City (20:00 BST - live on Sky Sports)

Saturday, 12 August

Arsenal v Nottingham Forest (12:30 - live on TNT Sports)
Bournemouth v West Ham (15:00)
Brighton v Luton Town (15:00)
Everton v Fulham (15:00)
Sheffield United v Crystal Palace (15:00)
Newcastle United v Aston Villa (17:30 - live on Sky Sports)

Sunday, 13 August

Brentford v Tottenham Hotspur (14:00 - live on Sky Sports)
Chelsea v Liverpool (16:30 - live on Sky Sports)

Monday, 14 August

Manchester United v Wolverhampton Wanderers (20:00 - live on Sky Sports)

Posted by: Mack. 15th June 2023, 09:52 AM

Club by club fixture guide:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65872021

Posted by: Mack. 15th June 2023, 03:12 PM

Everton's alleged breach of the Premier League's financial fair play rules will go before an independent commission on Wednesday, 25 October.

The Toffees were referred in March by the Premier League, but specifics of the FFP case were not revealed.

Reports say the charge relates to a tax issue surrounding loans for the club's new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock.

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 15th June 2023, 08:07 PM

Pretty interested to see how Luton fare this season! Hopefully they (and their iconic away entrance) will be able to hold their own.

Posted by: Houdini 16th June 2023, 08:02 AM

Kind of annoying that our first match is on a Monday. Big match between Chelsea and Liverpool on the opening weekend.

One thing that is almost guaranteed to happen in this season is a total drop off for Jack Grealish, man's gonna be living off the 22/23 season for the rest of his life.

Posted by: Silas 16th June 2023, 08:13 AM

QUOTE(Mack. @ Jun 15 2023, 05:12 PM)

Posted by: Rooney 16th June 2023, 09:12 AM

I don't know how Liverpool are 2nd favourites But I do prescribe to the theory that it will be more difficult than people think for City this season. Not because they're not the best team, but because they've won it all now. It's hard to motivate the players when they've achieved pretty much everything. History shows this too.

Posted by: Dobbo. 16th June 2023, 09:18 AM

QUOTE(Rooney @ Jun 16 2023, 10:12 AM)

I don't know how Liverpool are 2nd favourites But I do prescribe to the theory that it will be more difficult than people think for City this season. Not because they're not the best team, but because they've won it all now. It's hard to motivate the players when they've achieved pretty much everything. History shows this too.

Posted by: Rooney 16th June 2023, 09:57 AM

QUOTE(Dobbo. @ Jun 16 2023, 10:18 AM)

Posted by: Dobbo. 16th June 2023, 10:54 AM

Even if their motivation does wane slightly I don't think anyone else has enough quality to capitalise over the course of an entire season.

Posted by: Mack. 16th June 2023, 12:44 PM

Wolves have dismissed speculation surrounding Julen Lopetegui's future and say he will remain as their head coach next season.

Lopetegui took over in November when Wolves were bottom of the Premier League table and guided them to safety.

However, the Spaniard's future had been uncertain because of the club's financial situation.

Posted by: steve201 19th June 2023, 08:07 AM

QUOTE(Houdini @ Jun 16 2023, 09:02 AM)

Posted by: Mack. 19th June 2023, 12:46 PM

Bournemouth have sacked Gary O'Neil less than seven months after he was appointed as the club's permanent manager.

The 40-year-old took charge as interim boss after Scott Parker was sacked in August, then was appointed on a permanent basis in November.

O'Neil won 10 of his 34 Premier League games in charge last season, guiding Bournemouth to a 15th-placed finish.

"This has been a difficult decision," Bournemouth owner Bill Foley said.

"It has been made with great consideration to best position ourselves ahead of the coming season.

"Gary will go on to have a long career as a head coach or manager, but we feel that, at this moment in time, a change is in the best interests of this football club."


https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65951241

Posted by: Mack. 19th June 2023, 01:16 PM

Next Bournemouuth Manager Odds: (skybet)

Andoni Iraola 1-2f
Graham Potter 11-4
Jesse Marsch 10-1
Kjetil Knutsen 12-1
Steven Gerrard 12-1
Nuno Espirito Santo 16-1
Patrick Vieira 20-1
Anthony Barry 25-1
Carlos Corberan 25-1
Chris Wilder 25-1

Posted by: Dobbo. 19th June 2023, 01:38 PM

O'Niel is too good for Bournemouth. He'll get a bigger job out of this.

Posted by: awardinary 19th June 2023, 02:00 PM

So starting the season of managerial exits early then in a bid to break last season's record for most changes in a season?

They must have someone already lined up and I cant see it coming from any of the names in those odds posted before.

Posted by: steve201 19th June 2023, 04:19 PM

Madness to sack him after his performance last season!

Posted by: Houdini 19th June 2023, 05:00 PM

QUOTE(steve201 @ Jun 19 2023, 09:07 AM)

Posted by: Houdini 19th June 2023, 05:01 PM

Crazy decision for Bournemouth to sack Gary O'Neill. It's as if they want to get relegated!

Posted by: Dobbo. 19th June 2023, 06:33 PM

It'll no doubt be related to transfers and how much power the manager had in decisions. Don't know anything about this new chap but time will tell whether he's the next Pochettino or Xisco Munoz.

Posted by: Mack. 13th July 2023, 10:10 AM

Nottingham Forest defender Harry Toffolo has been charged with misconduct over 375 alleged breaches of the FA’s betting rules.

The charge relates to a period stretching from January 2014 to March 2017 while the now 27-year-old was a Norwich player, but also had loan spells at Swindon, Rotherham, Peterborough and Scunthorpe.

Posted by: Mack. 2nd August 2023, 06:27 PM

Levi Colwill has signed a new six-year contract with Chelsea.

The England U21 defender's deal also has the option of another additional 12 months.

Posted by: Houdini 6th August 2023, 06:02 PM

First trophy of the season goes to Arsenal after winning the Community Shield on penalties. How many more trophies will they get this season?

Posted by: Dobbo 6th August 2023, 11:12 PM

None would be my guess.

Posted by: Mack. 8th August 2023, 01:30 PM

Wolves are in talks with Julen Lopetegui over terminating his contract

Posted by: steve201 8th August 2023, 06:57 PM

Good start to the season that for Wolves

Posted by: Houdini 8th August 2023, 10:29 PM

Julen Lopetegui has left Wolves and former Bournemouth manager Gary O'Neil will take over. All this before a ball is kicked and we're playing them on Monday!

Posted by: Dobbo 9th August 2023, 08:43 AM

Well I was right about him getting a bigger job than Bournemouth but I think any manager who gets the Wolves job this season is gonna be doomed with their current predicament.

Posted by: Mack. 9th August 2023, 02:30 PM

Former Bournemouth boss Gary O'Neil has been announced as the new manager of Wolves, replacing Julen Lopetegui on a three-year deal.

Lopetegui's exit from Molineux was confirmed on Tuesday - just three days before the 2023-24 Premier League season begins.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66447376

Posted by: steve201 11th August 2023, 12:19 PM

Good luck to the team who will have their greatest season in 25 years but still come 2nd to Man City’s state funded perfection team!

Posted by: Suedehead2 12th August 2023, 04:00 PM

Brighton top of the league. The season should end now

Posted by: steve201 12th August 2023, 05:08 PM

STOP THE COUNT!!

Posted by: Houdini 12th August 2023, 06:33 PM

QUOTE(steve201 @ Aug 11 2023, 01:19 PM)

Posted by: steve201 12th August 2023, 07:46 PM

QUOTE(Houdini @ Aug 12 2023, 07:33 PM)

Posted by: Mack. 12th August 2023, 09:33 PM

Great win for Newcastle but let's not get hasty. Villa's high line was ridiculous.

Posted by: Mack. 12th August 2023, 09:50 PM

Luton's first match back in the top flight for 31 years, It is going to be one hell of a long and difficult season for them.

Posted by: Mack. 12th August 2023, 10:17 PM

Good start for Roy of the Palace.

Posted by: Mack. 12th August 2023, 10:20 PM

Only Fulham conceded more goals than Arsenal (11) when they were ahead in home league games last season.

Posted by: Mack. 12th August 2023, 10:22 PM

Nothing more Everton than missing a hat full of chances and ending up a goal down.

Posted by: steve201 12th August 2023, 10:29 PM

QUOTE(Mack. @ Aug 12 2023, 11:17 PM)

Posted by: Mack. 12th August 2023, 10:37 PM

Justin Kluivert becomes the fourth player to feature in each of Europe's top five leagues - the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and Serie A - after Florin Raducioiu, Christian Poulsen and Steven Jovetic.

Posted by: steve201 12th August 2023, 10:38 PM

QUOTE(Mack. @ Aug 12 2023, 11:22 PM)

Posted by: Houdini 13th August 2023, 11:36 AM

The last 4 matches between Chelsea & Liverpool in the Premier League have all ended as a draw. We'll see if that streak continues today!

Posted by: Dobbo 13th August 2023, 11:47 AM

Not only a draw but a goalless one at that. Quite a weird and quirky run.

Edit: that's in all comps actually. So 6 in a row including cup matches!

Posted by: Mack. 13th August 2023, 03:25 PM

A minor relief for me in Brentford and Tottenham drawing after Villa let me down.

Posted by: steve201 13th August 2023, 06:13 PM

Another draw lol!

Posted by: Rooney 13th August 2023, 06:54 PM

QUOTE(steve201 @ Aug 13 2023, 07:13 PM)

Posted by: steve201 13th August 2023, 09:48 PM

Indeed always a difficult tie!

Our Hungarian midfielder looked pretty decent there today. Hope he can stay fit!

Posted by: Mack. 15th August 2023, 06:46 PM

Kevin de Bruyne could miss the next four months of the season as Manchester City decide whether he needs surgery on a hamstring injury, manager Pep Guardiola says.

The 32-year-old limped off after 23 minutes in City's opening win against Burnley at Turf Moor on Friday.

De Bruyne also went off injured during the Champions League final win over Inter Milan in June.

Posted by: Houdini 15th August 2023, 06:49 PM

Just need Haaland to get a season ending injury next!

Posted by: Dobbo 16th August 2023, 08:22 AM

Even then Alvarez would just start banging them in instead...

Posted by: steve201 16th August 2023, 12:34 PM

Comments like this make me hope the oil conglomerate stay well ahead of United again this season.

Posted by: Houdini 16th August 2023, 01:15 PM

Let's be real, you would hope that happens regardless.

Posted by: Mack. 19th August 2023, 09:52 PM

Nunes, what were you doing?

Posted by: Mack. 19th August 2023, 10:20 PM

Doesn't seem to be any complacency in the team. Already looking switched on, Man City.

Posted by: Suedehead2 19th August 2023, 10:23 PM

QUOTE(Mack. @ Aug 19 2023, 11:20 PM)

Posted by: Mack. 19th August 2023, 10:30 PM

Franks continues to work his magic on a shoestring for Brentford.

Posted by: steve201 19th August 2023, 11:28 PM

QUOTE(Mack. @ Aug 19 2023, 10:52 PM)

Posted by: Dobbo 20th August 2023, 02:42 PM

Quite the turnaround in one week from Villa!

Posted by: Dobbo 20th August 2023, 05:30 PM

In spite of all the changes over the summer, this is the EXACT same Chelsea as last season!

Posted by: Houdini 20th August 2023, 06:08 PM

That was quite the debut from the most expensive player in English football history.

Posted by: Mack. 20th August 2023, 09:53 PM

Caicedo goes from a fairly well tuned Brighton team to a bit of a mess team in Chelsea.

Posted by: Mack. 20th August 2023, 09:55 PM

Hearing people saying Chelsea will be okay, but what is 'okay'? Not getting relegated? Finishing top 10? Top 4? Winning the league? Surely any team spending 1bil in 1 year should be consistently challenging for the title,

Posted by: Mack. 20th August 2023, 10:14 PM

For Everton things look very bleak, even after week two of the season, will be a very long and hard season for them.

Posted by: Mack. 21st August 2023, 03:56 PM

Dominic Calvert-Lewin faces another spell on the sidelines after sustaining a suspected fractured cheekbone in Everton's 4-0 defeat at Aston Villa.

Calvert-Lewin, 26, was substituted after 38 minutes following a collision with Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez as he challenged for the ball.

He has a bruised face and will undergo further assessment with the club's medical staff this week.

He must now follow the FA's concussion protocols before returning to action.

Posted by: Mack. 22nd August 2023, 02:20 PM

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is set to miss his team's next two Premier League matches after undergoing back surgery.

Guardiola, 52, had been suffering with what City said was "severe" back pain and travelled to Barcelona for an "emergency" but "minor" operation.

Posted by: Mack. 22nd August 2023, 02:27 PM

Sky Sports has apologised for "insensitive" comments made about Everton manager Sean Dyche during the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa on Sunday.

Commentators Bill Leslie and Andy Hinchcliffe said his clothing made him look like a "croupier" - someone who oversees gaming tables at casinos.

Dyche was wearing a black armband in memory of Michael Jones, who died working on the club's new stadium.

A Sky spokesperson apologised for any "upset or distress caused".

Posted by: Dobbo 25th August 2023, 10:23 AM

Bloody hell this says it all about refereeing at the moment:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66612570

Posted by: Mack. 26th August 2023, 09:58 PM

Arsenal today showed it's not easy to beat a team at home with 10 men and leading.

Posted by: Mack. 26th August 2023, 10:31 PM

Another loss and another game without a goal for Everton.

Posted by: DJHazey 28th August 2023, 03:06 PM

This might be the worst I've ever seen all three promoted teams do to start a season. Still hoping Everton continues to falter though just because it would be crazy to see them relegated.

Posted by: Dobbo 28th August 2023, 04:54 PM

Bear in mind at least one of those teams would have had a point or points by now but Luton vs Burnley was postponed.

Posted by: Rooney 28th August 2023, 05:33 PM

Yeah I think it's slightly unfair on the newly promoted sides, don't get me wrong, I think at least two of them will go down, but they've all had fairly difficult starts. Everton are the ones in big trouble right now.

Posted by: DJHazey 28th August 2023, 05:54 PM

Maybe so, but in recent years it seems like at least a couple of them always seem to get off to a decent start and then fall off or level off.

Posted by: steve201 28th August 2023, 07:25 PM

Doubly unfair that Luton don’t play at home until mid September due to the ground improvements.

Posted by: Rooney 28th August 2023, 07:26 PM

QUOTE(DJHazey @ Aug 28 2023, 06:54 PM)

Posted by: Houdini 2nd September 2023, 12:22 PM

Everton are abysmal

Posted by: steve201 2nd September 2023, 02:03 PM

2-2 is t a bad score at bramhall lane for them!

Posted by: Houdini 2nd September 2023, 02:29 PM

They were losing 2-1 after previously taking the lead when I posted that.

Posted by: steve201 2nd September 2023, 02:33 PM

Danjuma is a great player imo, was excellent for Bournemouth when they were last in the championship!

Posted by: steve201 3rd September 2023, 05:48 PM

Houuey will be an unhappy man tonight!

Posted by: Houdini 3rd September 2023, 06:42 PM

QUOTE(steve201 @ Sep 3 2023, 06:48 PM)

Posted by: steve201 3rd September 2023, 07:09 PM

Tbf I didn’t see the game but know your not much of an arsenal lover and love United!

Don’t worry we will lose our streak soon enough no doubt!

Posted by: Rooney 3rd September 2023, 07:17 PM

QUOTE(steve201 @ Sep 3 2023, 08:09 PM)

Posted by: steve201 3rd September 2023, 08:13 PM

Yeh same here he def lost the run of himself for the first time I can remember, pretty frustrating though considering the games circumstances

Posted by: Mack. 3rd September 2023, 10:26 PM

Roy still showing the younger managers a thing or two.

Posted by: Mack. 4th September 2023, 10:46 AM

Mental that Ake goal standing.

Akanji was blocking the keepers view of the header which should have made it offside and then he tried to play the ball and missed it which was getting involved as well and offside again.

Posted by: Dobbo 4th September 2023, 11:22 AM

Well at least they were consistent with the Fernandes goal we scored against them last season when Rashford was offside.

Posted by: Mack. 12th September 2023, 02:24 PM

Everton are close to being sold to Miami-based investment firm 777 Partners.

The financially-stricken Toffees resumed discussions with the American company after talks with MSP Sports Capital collapsed in August.

The takeover will bring to an end the tumultuous tenure of owner Farhad Moshiri, who first invested in 2016.

A source close to Moshiri said Everton have sought investment for a while, but the deal is not yet complete.

Posted by: Mack. 24th September 2023, 04:35 PM

You would imagine the broadcasters would be concerned if the promoted 3 are a bit adrift come Xmas. The relegation fight always a key part of the second half of the season.

Posted by: Rooney 24th September 2023, 04:57 PM

QUOTE(Mack. @ Sep 24 2023, 05:35 PM)

Posted by: Mack. 24th September 2023, 05:22 PM

Have Newcastle United broken a Premier League record today with the amount of different goalscorers they've had against Sheffield United?

Posted by: Houdini 24th September 2023, 05:25 PM

Seems like the broadcasters knew something we didn't know by not having Arsenal Vs Tottenham as the last match of the weekend!

Posted by: Dobbo 24th September 2023, 05:33 PM

QUOTE(Mack. @ Sep 24 2023, 06:22 PM)

Posted by: Mack. 24th September 2023, 05:43 PM

Newcastle United have now beaten both Sheffield clubs 8-0 in the Premier League.

Posted by: Mack. 24th September 2023, 09:47 PM

8-0 whooping at home is a shambles.

Posted by: Mack. 24th September 2023, 10:05 PM

The £65m Havertz signing is one of the most bizarre in a long time.

Posted by: Mack. 24th September 2023, 10:16 PM

Chelsea- proof money can't just buy you success like people were claiming about Roman's Chelsea or current Man City. You need to actually know how to spend your money and on which players.

Posted by: Rooney 24th September 2023, 10:36 PM

QUOTE(Mack. @ Sep 24 2023, 11:16 PM)

Posted by: Houdini 25th September 2023, 12:16 AM

Wonder how Raheem Sterling must be feeling around now? as soon as he leaves City he misses out on the trophies they've won since just to be mid table at Chelsea. All of this goes to show that periods of success in football don't last forever. Stamford Bridge used to be a stadium where Chelsea simply did not lose in the league, now it's like a gift shop for opposition teams.

Posted by: Dobbo 25th September 2023, 09:10 AM

QUOTE(Rooney @ Sep 24 2023, 11:36 PM)

Posted by: Rooney 25th September 2023, 09:59 AM

QUOTE(Dobbo @ Sep 25 2023, 10:10 AM)

Posted by: Dobbo 25th September 2023, 11:03 AM

They only have good re-sale value if they actually perform though. Who is going to want to buy any of their players giving how the whole team is performing? How they managed to con Arsenal £65M for Havertz was remarkable and, given what the Arsenal fans are saying, a huge mistake. We're no doubt gonna lose a massive amount on Sancho when he inevitably leaves but for Chelsea that's pretty much their entire squad.

They're pretty much the exact opposite of Brighton who find complete unknown gems and sell them on for insane amounts.

Posted by: Rooney 25th September 2023, 11:38 AM

QUOTE(Dobbo @ Sep 25 2023, 12:03 PM)

Posted by: steve201 25th September 2023, 06:24 PM

Guys there’s 6 games gone still plenty of time to change and teams to gel!

Posted by: Suedehead2 25th September 2023, 09:32 PM

QUOTE(Rooney @ Sep 25 2023, 10:59 AM)

QUOTE(Dobbo @ Sep 25 2023, 12:03 PM)

Posted by: Houdini 30th September 2023, 07:00 PM

Not a good day for any of our teams. Looks like Tottenham will be the elephant on the tree this season.

Posted by: steve201 30th September 2023, 07:32 PM

Was quite the day indeed!

Not much to discuss from the Spurs game 🤣, imagine they won the league this year with Kane gone!

Posted by: Rooney 30th September 2023, 08:04 PM

Spurs will be absolutely nowhere near the top of the league come the end of the season. They play some good stuff, but they're not good enough defensively. At least one of Liverpool or City will get 90 points and Spurs will be nowhere near that.

Posted by: steve201 8th October 2023, 05:59 PM

Massive win that for arsenal! (And the rest)!

Posted by: Houdini 8th October 2023, 06:52 PM

Good that Man City have lost back-to-back matches in the league, hopefully more to come for them. I guess Arsenal fans will think they're going to win the league now.

Posted by: Rooney 8th October 2023, 06:54 PM

QUOTE(steve201 @ Oct 8 2023, 06:59 PM)

Posted by: steve201 8th October 2023, 08:19 PM

Think Rodri and also De Bruyne being so injury prone will be telling for them!

Posted by: Rooney 8th October 2023, 08:59 PM

QUOTE(steve201 @ Oct 8 2023, 09:19 PM)

Posted by: steve201 8th October 2023, 09:55 PM

Yeh we don’t have an obvious favourite currently although due to the history City will be favourites in most peoples minds!

Posted by: Dobbo 9th October 2023, 08:25 AM

Rodri is everything to them, he's the one player they can't afford to lose. Their record without him is like only a 40% win rate I read.

I'm sure the narrative will be well they won the treble last season so what's their motivation but realistically all the other teams have so many weaknesses, I can't say anyone breaching the 90 point barrier you usually need to finish ahead of City. The table is so compact, we're apparently having the worst season of all time yet we're only 1 point behind Newcastle who are suddenly the best thing since sliced bread.

Posted by: Rooney 9th October 2023, 08:49 AM

QUOTE(Dobbo @ Oct 9 2023, 09:25 AM)

Posted by: Dobbo 9th October 2023, 09:05 AM

Yes City have always tended to start the season slowly then after new year go on these 20-odd game winning streaks.

Posted by: Houdini 9th October 2023, 03:30 PM

Since the 2016/17 season every team that has won the Premier League has gone on a 10+ game winning streak. It's the winning streak that has always made the difference in who wins the league as by the time that winning streak is over the particular team is top of the table where they end up staying until the end. There's no other team that is more likely than Manchester City to go on a winning streak like that which is why it's hard to see any other team lifting the trophy apart from them. Results like yesterday's are more towards them not having all their own way like they have done in the past, I'm sure no one wants to see a repeat of the 2017/18 season where they just bullied the whole league.

So it's good to see them lose back-to-back matches in the league but looking at the bigger picture for them not to win the league they'd have to lose at least 8/9 games and for another team to go on a 10+ game winning streak which is unlikely to happen. Of course though it's only a matter of time until the titles start drying up for them but the question is how long until that happens.

Posted by: Mack. 10th October 2023, 11:29 AM

Pep Guardiola said he "knows what happened" but would not go in to detail after Kyle Walker and Erling Haaland were involved in a heated exchange with members of Arsenal's backroom staff following Manchester City's 1-0 defeat.

After the final whistle at Emirates Stadium, Walker and Haaland confronted Arsenal set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, who previously worked at City.

"I know what happened but I won't say anything," Guardiola said with a smile.

"They [Arsenal] know it," he added.

Posted by: Mack. 11th October 2023, 06:49 PM

Former Everton winger Andros Townsend has signed for Luton Town until January.

The ex-Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Crystal Palace forward left Goodison Park in the summer.

The 32-year-old was close to joining Burnley before they withdrew their offer as they did not want to stifle the development of younger players.

"I never thought I'd pull on the Luton shirt, so it's a huge honour to play again in the Premier League," he said.

"I've seen where I can help this team and on the flipside the manager has seen where I can help - whether that's on the pitch, in the dressing room or on the training field - with my enthusiasm and experience," said Townsend.

Townsend played 13 times for England, earning the last of his caps in 2016.

Posted by: Mack. 19th October 2023, 01:37 AM

Newcastle United have confirmed midfielder Sandro Tonali is being investigated by the Italian Prosecutor's Office and the Italian football federation in relation to alleged illegal betting activity.

The 23-year-old was recently withdrawn from Italy's training camp.

Newcastle say Tonali is co-operating with the enquiry.

"He and his family will continue to receive the club's full support," the club added in a statement.

"Due to this ongoing process, Sandro and Newcastle United are unable to offer further comment at this time."

Posted by: Mack. 26th October 2023, 11:48 AM

Newcastle and Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali has been banned for 10 months by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) for breaching betting rules.

The 23-year-old will not be eligible to play again until August and will be unavailable to feature at Euro 2024 next summer should Italy qualify.

Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan in July for £55m.

Posted by: Dobbo 26th October 2023, 12:16 PM

Well that turned out to be an unmitigated disaster of a signing

In other news this year will see the first Christmas Eve fixture since 1995. Always thinking of the fans our good ol' prem!

Posted by: Houdini 26th October 2023, 01:12 PM

Christmas Eve is probably the worst day to travel away for a match, it's quite an early kick off as well to make matters worse. I'll be surprised if Chelsea get anything from that match.

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 26th October 2023, 08:16 PM

Thoughts on Everton potentially facing a 12-point deduction? I feel that would definitely knock them out of the PL if it goes ahead.

Posted by: Houdini 27th October 2023, 12:10 AM

Apparently it's because of Financial Fair Play breaches and has been recommended by the Premier League themselves. If that is true and it really has been recommend by the league then it would be very likely to happen. They would stand no chance of surviving relegation so I hope it does happen, Everton do not make the league better and they've been playing with fire for years anyway near the relegation zone.

Posted by: steve201 27th October 2023, 09:54 PM

Says it all when nothing happens to City though!

Posted by: Dobbo 5th November 2023, 10:50 AM

Arteta and the Arsenal camp can cry all they want but are noticeably quiet when they get all the decisions (like Garnacho offside against in our game vs them)

Should have been down to 10 already from that crazy Havertz tackle.

Posted by: Houdini 5th November 2023, 12:49 PM

Yeah they were robbed but I don't feel sorry for them. During his post match rant Arteta at one point said "they lost 3 points" & "the league is too hard". Hearing him say something like that is confirmation that they wont win the league again this season. A lot of people said that they would win it after they beat Man City but if their manager thinks that the Premier League is too hard then they're not gonna have a chance of winning it. I don't think Arsene Wenger during his three title winning seasons ever would have said something like that or any of the other managers who have won it.


After 10 matches played they finally lose for the first time and Arteta is acting as if it's the end of the world.

Posted by: Dobbo 6th November 2023, 10:05 PM

Spurs are back then

Posted by: Rooney 6th November 2023, 10:19 PM

What a game! Superb entertainment. Spurs being totally Spursy again (although they did play really well with 9 men).

Posted by: steve201 7th November 2023, 06:03 PM

I love the high line lol!

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 7th November 2023, 08:54 PM

Just watched the highlights - certainly seemed like a wild game! A goal counted as offside just before a red card and a penalty is quite something to happen in a matter of seconds.

Posted by: Dobbo 10th November 2023, 04:44 PM

I think it's a bit of a joke that Postecoglou has won the first 3 manager of the month awards this season.

Posted by: Houdini 10th November 2023, 06:17 PM

I think it's understandable as Tottenham had the best form from August through to October. He definitely won't win it for November though and with Maddison being injured for the next few months Ange probably won't win it again this season.

Posted by: steve201 10th November 2023, 07:14 PM

Yeh I was think Maddison is due a 3 month injury he gets every year - will def hurt Spurs as he’s been brilliant this year so far!

Posted by: Mack. 11th November 2023, 08:46 PM

Posted by: Mack. 11th November 2023, 11:32 PM

What a result for Wolves. Deserved win.

Posted by: Mack. 11th November 2023, 11:37 PM

Seems like Dyche has finally got the Toffees stabilised, at least.

Posted by: Mack. 11th November 2023, 11:44 PM

Seems Newcastle are just a couple of injuries away from being Bruce and Benitez's side again at any moment.

Posted by: steve201 12th November 2023, 06:42 PM

Looking forward to motd tonight after the score in the city game 😳

Posted by: Rooney 12th November 2023, 06:52 PM

It was a totally mad game, City are the only team that seemingly get penalties for grapples in the box.. anyway, draw was fully deserved and the title race looks wide open. Chelsea look like they will take points off the big teams this year.

Posted by: Dobbo 12th November 2023, 07:36 PM

And lose to all the midtable ones!

Posted by: steve201 12th November 2023, 09:56 PM

Chelsea have some great players and a decent coach so can see them doing well when the gel!

Posted by: Houdini 14th November 2023, 01:16 AM

All 3 promoted teams are currently in the relegation places. Not since 1997/98 have all of the newly promoted teams gone straight back down and it could be the only time it's happened in the Premier League era. I wonder if this could be the season for that to happen? you could make a strong case for all of them to get relegated this season. I read a stat that no team that has lost 10 out of their first 12 matches avoided relegation so for Burnley in particular it doesn't bode well.

Posted by: Dobbo 17th November 2023, 12:29 PM

Wow, 10 point deduction for Everton! Amazingly that still doesn't put them bottom and I think they'll still be fine given how dogshit the 3 promoted teams all are.

Second team in premier league history to receive a points deduction after Portsmouth in 2009/10.

Posted by: Rooney 17th November 2023, 12:36 PM

Yeah they will be fine with the deduction with how much dross there is in the league. Can't imagine Leeds and Leicester will be happy though? Whetehr they bring a lawsuit is another question.

Sets a massive precedent for Chelsea and City now though..

Posted by: Mack. 17th November 2023, 02:29 PM

I think Everton are the third Premier League team to receive a points deduction, Middlesbrough were deducted three points in the 1996-97 season for postponing a fixture against Blackburn Rovers. They would have stayed up that season without that deduction.

Posted by: Dobbo 17th November 2023, 03:47 PM

You are indeed correct^ there's a TIL moment. Surprised I never knew about that one especially as the deduction directly resulted in a relegation unlike with Portsmouth.

Posted by: Houdini 17th November 2023, 04:55 PM

Everton's points deduction sets up a couple of interesting season long storylines. The first is whether Everton with their recent track record can get enough points to stay up, the second is how damming an indictment of the standard of last season's Championship it could be if all three newly promoted teams still get relegated anyway. Especially as these were the top 3 ranked teams in that league and Burnley won it with such ease.


Unless Everton have massively turned a corner this season you would expect them to finish on less than 30 points now which 99% of the time would be guaranteed relegation.

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 17th November 2023, 05:07 PM

It'll certainly be interesting to see if Everton stay up! Normally that would pretty much put them down (particularly after last season's close call) but given that the new teams have been struggling I guess we'll see.

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 25th November 2023, 08:29 PM

Luton taking a win against Crystal Palace today! Gives them a little more hope that they might stay up this season following Everton's deduction.

Posted by: Rooney 26th November 2023, 12:40 AM

QUOTE(PeteFromLeeds @ Nov 25 2023, 08:29 PM)

Posted by: awardinary 26th November 2023, 12:53 AM

Surprised at this stage of the season there haven’t been any managerial sackings to report… that said… what are the odds that either Vincent Kompany or Paul Heckingbottom will still be in the posts by Christmas Day?

Posted by: Dobbo 26th November 2023, 08:22 PM

Yeah Luton to be fair have been very respectable. Even their losses haven't been by big margins compared with the other promoted sides.

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 28th November 2023, 10:15 PM

The first red card for dissent in 12 years (at least according to various internet sites) happened on Saturday as well, with Lewis Dunk being sent off for Brighton against Forest.

Posted by: steve201 29th November 2023, 08:15 AM

I think he called Anthony Taylor a baldy bast*rd 🤣

Posted by: Dobbo 29th November 2023, 10:30 AM

QUOTE(PeteFromLeeds @ Nov 28 2023, 10:15 PM)

Posted by: Dobbo 3rd December 2023, 04:05 PM

Sky Sports choosing the screen the absolute borefest of West Ham vs Palace over 3 absolute crackers is peak levels of hilarity

Posted by: Rooney 3rd December 2023, 06:26 PM

That is one of the worst officiatting pieces I've ever seen in the Premier League calls a foul when Grealish is through on goal!

Posted by: Houdini 3rd December 2023, 06:51 PM

Angry Man City players at full time. You love to see it!

Posted by: Rooney 3rd December 2023, 07:33 PM

QUOTE(Houdini @ Dec 3 2023, 06:51 PM)

Posted by: Houdini 3rd December 2023, 08:51 PM

QUOTE(Rooney @ Dec 3 2023, 07:33 PM)

Posted by: Xtrawardinary⛄️ 3rd December 2023, 08:58 PM

Has Paul Heckingbottom been sacked yet? I felt like that was his last post match interview yesterday as Sheffield United manager…

Posted by: steve201 3rd December 2023, 09:44 PM

This is like watching the vintage 17/18 Liverpool side!

Posted by: Dobbo 4th December 2023, 09:55 AM

Amazingly we've gotten all the way to December without a single sacking but the first is reportedly gonna happen today to Heckingbottom.

Posted by: Christmasteve201 4th December 2023, 03:09 PM

Feel sorry for him he’s not a premier league manager and did really well to get them back up last season (probably with the help of the parachute £ and a team who knew the division

Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 4th December 2023, 03:52 PM

Not been sacked officially has Heckingbottom. I imagine that Chris Wilder will return to Sheffield United.

Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 4th December 2023, 04:39 PM

Posted by: Rooney 4th December 2023, 10:26 PM

QUOTE(Christmasteve201 @ Dec 4 2023, 03:09 PM)

Posted by: Christmasteve201 5th December 2023, 07:58 AM

Yeh but he had a fairytale first stint when he took them from the bottom 8 in L1 to the top 8 in the Premiership! I like him but his tactics only work for so long especially in the top tier!

Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 5th December 2023, 12:48 PM

Confirmed:

Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 5th December 2023, 12:52 PM

Next Sheffield United Manager Odds (OLBG):

Chris Wilder 1-3f
Neil Warnock 14-1
Frank Lampard 16-1
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 16-1
Graham Potter 16-1

Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 5th December 2023, 12:54 PM

Sheffield United owner Prince Abdullah has announced the return of Chris Wilder as manager, replacing the sacked Paul Heckingbottom on.... an interview on talkSPORT.

Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 5th December 2023, 01:09 PM

Manchester City have been charged by the Football Association with failing to control their players in Sunday's 3-3 Premier League draw with Tottenham.

Players surrounded referee Simon Hooper when he awarded a free-kick to City late in stoppage time after it looked like Jack Grealish was through on goal.

Hooper initially indicated City had the advantage and waved play on, but halted the match once the pass was played.

City have until Thursday, 7 December to respond to the charge.

Posted by: Houdini 5th December 2023, 08:15 PM

Pep Guardiola has guaranteed that Manchester City will win the Premier League this season! I can't think of anytime when a manager has openly said something like this, we'll see if his words come true. Looks like the pressure is getting to him tbh. It also sounds like he's beginning to live off what they did last season which is a characteristic that Sir Alex Ferguson didn't have after doing the same thing in 1999.

Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 6th December 2023, 03:06 PM

Newcastle United and England goalkeeper Nick Pope requires shoulder surgery and is expected to be out for four months.

The 31-year-old dislocated his shoulder when he dived to make a save during the closing stages of Newcastle's 1-0 win over Manchester United on Saturday.

It's quite a blow for Newcastle United.

Posted by: Dobbo 6th December 2023, 03:32 PM

Same injury he had in 2018 which kept him out of action for 3 months.

Posted by: Houdini 7th December 2023, 12:06 PM

Sheffield United are lucky that Everton have their points deduction otherwise they would be 8 points adrift of safety now with a much worse goal difference than Nottingham Forest.

Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 7th December 2023, 03:15 PM

Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper says he is not dwelling on speculation over his future following Wednesday's 5-0 defeat at Fulham.

Cooper's side have lost their last four matches in the Premier League and won just one of their last 11.

They have dropped to 16th, hovering above the relegation zone, before Saturday's match against Wolves.

"I don't think like that," said the 43-year-old Welshman, after being asked if he feared the sack should they lose.

"That is not a good way to think. It is like saying to a player 'you have to play well or you will not play again' - it is not a thought process I believe in using."

Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 7th December 2023, 03:19 PM

Burnley have suffered an "undeniable blow" in their Premier League relegation battle with teenage winger Luca Koleosho ruled out for several months, boss Vincent Kompany says.

The 19-year-old has caught the eye in a side that has lost 12 from 15 league games this season.

The latest defeat was a 1-0 loss to Wolves in which Koleosho limped off after 36 minutes.

"It's bad news for us, he's going to be out for a while," Kompany said.

"I'd like to think he'll still play this season, but it might be towards the end of the season."

Posted by: Dobbo 8th December 2023, 09:36 AM

Without their deduction, Everton would be top half. Dyche is pulling an absolute blinder there, fair play.

Posted by: Smithy501 16th December 2023, 10:31 PM

Thoughts and prayers for Tom Lockyer.

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 16th December 2023, 10:47 PM

It all sounds very scary. The team say that he was responsive by the time he was taken off so hopefully he'll pull through ok.

Posted by: Christmasteve201 17th December 2023, 12:33 AM

Here here!

Posted by: Christmasteve201 17th December 2023, 11:01 PM

That Brentford Villa game was a great watch!

Posted by: Dobbo 18th December 2023, 10:23 AM

I find it very interesting they abandoned the Bournemouth vs Luton game, yet when the same thing happened to Lockyer in last season's play-off final they finished the match.

Posted by: Xtrawardinary⛄️ 18th December 2023, 12:59 PM

QUOTE(Dobbo @ Dec 18 2023, 10:23 AM)

Posted by: Dobbo 18th December 2023, 02:38 PM

I know as much as you unfortunately!

My guess is they will void the match and re-play at a later time in the season. The last time a game was abandoned after it had already kicked off was way back in 2006 and that's what happened then.

Posted by: Houdini 18th December 2023, 07:36 PM

The match will get replayed as both Bournemouth & Luton have played 16 games each according to the league table which is one less than everyone else. Hopefully Tom Lockyer will make a speedy recovery. For this to have been the 2nd time that it's happened to him is a sign that he should just hang up his boots. It might not be 3rd time lucky if it happens again.

Posted by: Christmasteve201 18th December 2023, 10:35 PM

I always thought if someone had heart problems they had to retire? Maybe the rules have changed?

Posted by: Dobbo 19th December 2023, 09:33 AM

Not necessarily. In Eriksen's case he had to leave Serie A as their rules didn't permit players to play with ICDs fitted however no such rule exists in the Prem.

Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 19th December 2023, 03:06 PM

Former Wolves and Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo has spoken to Nottingham Forest amid growing uncertainty over the future of manager Steve Cooper.

The 49-year-old was sacked by Saudi Pro-League club Al-Ittihad in November.

Former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner has also been mentioned as a likely replacement if Cooper went, but it seems Nuno is now in pole position.

Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 19th December 2023, 03:38 PM

Posted by: Dobbo 19th December 2023, 03:48 PM

Cooper was on borrowed time I'm afraid. He fell into the Wagner & Wilder trap of overachieving in the first top flight season then being a victim of their own success when it doesn't go quite as well during the second.

Posted by: Rooney 19th December 2023, 10:04 PM

Reckon Cooper will take over at Palace, either at the end of the season or mid-way through.

Nuno is not a sexy appointment, but should be enough to keep them up.

Posted by: Dobbo 20th December 2023, 11:49 AM

He's a very good coach. Spurs is a poisoned chalice for any manager and he overachieved massively at Wolves and deserved better there.

Posted by: Christmasteve201 21st December 2023, 08:10 AM

Think Forest will be worse now, Cooper thoroughly over achieved there with the way their board works, they were like the spurs of the championship remember before he arrived.

Posted by: Dobbo 23rd December 2023, 07:35 PM

Villa really did bottle the chance to go top then.

Posted by: Rooney 24th December 2023, 04:07 AM

QUOTE(Dobbo @ Dec 23 2023, 07:35 PM)

Posted by: Houdini 24th December 2023, 04:04 PM

As soon as Wolves Vs Chelsea got announced for Christmas Eve I knew Chelsea would lose the match. They and their fans got done dirty by the Premier League! There can't be many worse days to play an away fixture than today.

Posted by: Christmasteve201 24th December 2023, 04:28 PM

Yeh true you either have a normal Super Sundaybof not what’s the point of having one game and it being on Xmas eve.
We were unlucky with the pen against Arsenal but think they deserved a draw tbf!

Posted by: Dobbo 24th December 2023, 04:59 PM

First round where all the promoted teams avoided defeat.

Posted by: Houdini 28th December 2023, 10:30 PM

Short lived celebrations of being top of the table at Christmas for Arsenal

Posted by: Dobbo 28th December 2023, 10:36 PM

Everyone mocked us for losing to West Ham last week so let's see what the same people come up with to defend Arsenal...

Posted by: Christmasteve201 28th December 2023, 10:56 PM

They are so up and down, capable of beating anyone on their day and losing to anyone as well!

Posted by: Christmasteve201 28th December 2023, 10:57 PM

A good Christmas for city that!

Posted by: CoolHand501 5th January 2024, 03:46 PM

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal have not complained to the PGMOL about the rough treatment on Bukayo Saka - but referees are "aware" of opposition tactics.

Reports claimed the club had spoken to the governing body of match officials about fouls against the winger.

Gunners manager Arteta said they have "daily communication", but "nothing specific" on that topic.

Posted by: Dobbo 5th January 2024, 04:44 PM

Meanwhile I'm sure he kept hush about his blatant dive against West Ham.

Posted by: Houdini 13th January 2024, 07:40 PM

A new year begins with the same familiar script being followed.

Posted by: Dobbo 16th January 2024, 10:39 AM

Everton and Forest in the shit now!

Posted by: CoolHand501 21st January 2024, 06:44 PM

Nottingham Forest have written to refereeing chief Howard Webb for clarification around Ivan Toney's first-half goal in Saturday's 3-2 defeat at Brentford.

Toney moved the ball for his free-kick, which made it 1-1, and wiped away referee Darren England's vanishing foam as the official lined up the wall.

Officials did not correct the situation before Toney scored.

He later claimed he was allowed to move the ball by "half a yard either side".

However that was dismissed by Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who claimed the ball had clearly been "displaced".

Posted by: Steve201 21st January 2024, 09:51 PM

I don’t see the issue with what he did would be more annoyed with the Forest defence for not reacting to this!

Posted by: Dobbo 21st January 2024, 10:22 PM

Not much they can change about it now

Posted by: CoolHand501 26th January 2024, 10:54 AM

Klopp to step down as Liverpool manager at the end of the season.

Posted by: CoolHand501 29th January 2024, 04:48 PM

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says reports linking him with succeeding Xavi as Barcelona manager are "totally untrue".

Xavi announced on Saturday that he would be stepping down from the role at the end of the season.

Spanish newspaper Sport said Arteta, who is a product of Barcelona's youth academy, was also thinking of leaving his post with the Gunners.

"Who, me? No. That is totally fake news," said Arteta, whose Arsenal contract runs until the summer of 2025.

Posted by: CoolHand501 30th January 2024, 02:42 PM

Everton's appeal hearing over their 10-point deduction for breaching financial rules will begin on Wednesday.

The hearing in front of an appeal board is expected to last three days and BBC Sport understands an outcome should be revealed by mid-February.

The club admitted the breach but said they were "shocked and disappointed" at the severity of the punishment.

Posted by: Houdini 3rd February 2024, 09:02 PM

Sheffield United really are a waste of space. I wish teams like them would just stay down to be honest, there's no feeling of excitement and anticipation when they get promoted because you know they won't add anything to the league once they're here. Here's hoping that 2024 will mark the last appearance of them in the Premier League for many years to come.

Posted by: Steve201 4th February 2024, 02:28 AM

🤣🤣🤣 love the harshness

Posted by: ukchartstatsfan 4th February 2024, 02:52 PM

Fans not happy at Chelsea

Posted by: Mack. 15th February 2024, 01:52 PM

Crystal Palace say manager Roy Hodgson was "taken ill" during training on Thursday morning.

Palace cancelled a news conference after the 76-year-old fell ill.

It was widely reported on Thursday morning that Palace are set to sack Hodgson, with the club 15th in the Premier League and five points clear of the relegation zone.

Posted by: Steve201 15th February 2024, 07:27 PM

Get well soon Roy!

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 16th February 2024, 08:32 PM

Hopefully nothing too serious. Certainly not the way I imagine he'd have liked to leave the club if that does indeed happen.

Posted by: Suedehead2 18th February 2024, 08:18 PM

QUOTE(Houdini @ Feb 3 2024, 09:02 PM)

Posted by: Houdini 19th February 2024, 03:02 AM

QUOTE(Suedehead2 @ Feb 18 2024, 08:18 PM)

Posted by: Dobbo 19th February 2024, 09:13 AM

Burnley aren't out of that conversation yet either^ they're only 10 goals behind Sheffield which is arguably even worse considering who their manager is. You'd have thought at the very least Kompany could coach his players on how to defend, I mean trying to play offside from a throw-in

Posted by: Houdini 19th February 2024, 12:44 PM

Luton are so much better than Sheffield United & Burnley, they have fighting sprit in every match they play and they score lots of goals yet they were the lowest ranked of the newly promoted teams in the Championship last season. Really based on how they perform they should stay up but even if they don't I think they would be shoe ins to make an immediate return to the Premier League because most of their squad are the players that got them promoted. They should have totally dominated the Championship last season.

Posted by: Dobbo 19th February 2024, 04:45 PM

Hodgson jumping before he's pushed, wise move. Would have not been a dignified end to his illustrious career with a sacking. Saying that, I'm sure Watford would have him back lol. Glad he seems to be alright anyway.

It was a bizarre appointment in the first place (the second time round). They replaced him with Veiria for a more progressive approach then the minute the bad results came for him they went backwards with the Hodgson reappointment. Perhaps they were hoping for a West Ham/Moyes situation.

Posted by: Mack. 19th February 2024, 05:51 PM

Crystal Palace have appointed former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner as their new manager.

Posted by: Steve201 19th February 2024, 09:21 PM

QUOTE(Dobbo @ Feb 19 2024, 04:45 PM)

Posted by: Mack. 20th February 2024, 01:30 PM

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has apologised to Kalvin Phillips for saying the midfielder was "overweight" on his return from the Qatar World Cup.

Guardiola made the comments in December 2022, explaining why Phillips had been left out of his squad for a Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Liverpool.

Phillips said the comments were "a big knock to my confidence" when asked about them earlier this month.

"I'm sorry," said Guardiola. "I do apologise to him. I'm so sorry."

Posted by: Dobbo 26th February 2024, 04:07 PM

Absolute joke this Everton situation. We'll get to the end of the season and no one will have a clue who's on what points at this rate.

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 26th February 2024, 08:26 PM

So they've been reduced from 10 points to 6 - guess it increases their chances of staying up a bit!

Posted by: Steve201 26th February 2024, 11:43 PM

It’s a joke on the other clubs that they can just change it like that as it effects so many teams!

Posted by: Rooney 27th February 2024, 12:24 AM

QUOTE(Steve201 @ Feb 27 2024, 12:43 AM)

Posted by: Steve201 27th February 2024, 07:34 AM

I agree with the principle but it should be decided before game one of the season not 1/3 of the way through then changed nearly 3/4 of the way through. Like in league one with Reading and Wigan!

Posted by: RabbitFurCoat 27th February 2024, 08:29 AM

The punishments are all for FFP charges, so can't be made until accounts are submitted and evaluated! It'd be impossible to not have them awarded mid-season.

Posted by: Steve201 27th February 2024, 09:46 AM

But could they not then put the punishment in place at the end or start of a season anyway? Guess though they could argue it’s was for your accounts on a set season. It just seems unfair to move the goalposts mid season (twice)!

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 28th February 2024, 08:31 PM

Indeed - can't imagine Luton for example being the happiest with the ruling. I can see that Rob Edwards is saying he doesn't see it as too much of an issue as it doesn't change their position, which is fair enough, but it does make you wonder if anything going on behind the scenes (or indeed for the fans)

Posted by: RabbitFurCoat 1st March 2024, 09:44 AM

There's just no real satisfactory time to put in place a punishment for FFP. The only 'fair' time to put a punishment in place is for the season in which the rules were broken, but it isn't possible to retrospectively add punishments and change the outcomes of leagues, especially if it were to involve a relegation.

Everton and Forest have been charged for their accounts to the end of last season, they finished 16th and 17th and the points deduction that could be applied may well be
a higher number than the points gaps they had to 18th and 19th placed teams Leeds and Leicester. If anyone has a cause to complain it's those two who were relegated at the expense of teams who broke the rules, but accounts aren't due to be published until the end of December, by which time you can only make changes to either the current or the next season.

If Forest were to be deducted 6 points, but it weren't put in place until next season so they started from -6, I'm sure there'd be a fuss kicked up when they're only 4 points above Luton. And unfortunately there are way too many arguments and mitigations that you'd never be able to apply a punishment as soon as accounts were submitted. Take the Forest one at the moment, had they sold Brennan Johnson to Brentford for £30m in June they'd never have been charged, yet waiting and selling him for £47.5m in August now fails the PL's 'profit and sustainability' measures despite being far better to the club's sustainability, so will be arguing mitigation for a lighter punishment than if there were a rule to say 'if you go X over, you'll receive Y deduction'

Posted by: Houdini 10th March 2024, 01:09 PM

Watching the build up to Liverpool Vs Man City you'd think that Jurgen Klopp is about to be laid to rest!

Posted by: Houdini 10th March 2024, 06:12 PM

No surprise at all that it's ended in a draw, Liverpool could have gone 4 points ahead of Man City with a win but instead it remains a 1 point gap between the two teams. People will say "oh what a great title race we've got on our hands" "it's 3 amazing teams blah blah blah". Arsenal fans will be wetting themselves because they are top of the table for the next few weeks.


After this result I'll tell you what will happen:


Arsenal fans spend the next 3 weeks gloating about being top of the table ----------> on the 31st March City beat Arsenal at home ----------------> City win the league at the end of the season for an unprecedented 4th time in a row.


^

Same familiar script being followed and if this chain of events doesn't happen then I'll eat my hat as the famous saying goes!

Posted by: Rooney 10th March 2024, 06:49 PM

There's still 10 games to go and Arsenal and City could find themselves against each other in the QF or semis of the Champions League, which I think would throw both teams off.

Personally I think Arsenal are in the best form at the moment, helped by the injury to Jesus imo and how they have intergrated Havertz. But there's ages to go yet. Feel it's between Liverpool and City still, think this Arsenal team are still a bit too raw and emotional and will come up stuck in one game.

Posted by: Steve201 10th March 2024, 07:02 PM

Houdini seems to be a very angry man United fan these days 🤣🤣

Posted by: Dobbo 10th March 2024, 08:02 PM

Arsenal will suffer from their usual April meltdown no doubt.

Tough to call between Pool & City. I have to say the former have coped much better than I would have thought with all the injuries.

Posted by: Rooney 10th March 2024, 08:13 PM

QUOTE(Dobbo @ Mar 10 2024, 08:02 PM)

Posted by: Steve201 11th March 2024, 09:58 AM

One last thought on yesterday - what a game it was - high quality football by two great sides. I will miss this era when Jurgen leaves and we are fighting for 10th with United and Chelsea next season 🤣

Posted by: Rooney 11th March 2024, 10:08 AM

QUOTE(Steve201 @ Mar 11 2024, 09:58 AM)

Posted by: awardinary 11th March 2024, 11:46 PM

Any predictions for any remaining managerial sackings before the end of the season?

Posted by: Dobbo 12th March 2024, 09:08 AM

Forest will panic and sack Nuno then wheel out Allardyce for his annual embarrassment.

Posted by: Rooney 12th March 2024, 09:34 AM

Eddie Howe’s days are surely numbered? But their big problem is going to be there are some very good jobs available across Europe this summer.

Personally, I think Ten Haag will get the boot as well. But probably at the end of the season.

Posted by: Dobbo 12th March 2024, 09:56 AM

Newcastle will go for Mourinho, he definitely wants to manage in the prem again.

The only manager I'd want if they get rid of Ten Hag is Tuchel. I can't believe Southgate is linked to the job rather have Moyes back than him.

Posted by: Rooney 12th March 2024, 01:15 PM

QUOTE(Dobbo @ Mar 12 2024, 09:56 AM)

Newcastle will go for Mourinho, he definitely wants to manage in the prem again.

The only manager I'd want if they get rid of Ten Hag is Tuchel. I can't believe Southgate is linked to the job rather have Moyes back than him.

Posted by: Mack. 18th March 2024, 04:07 PM

Nottingham Forest have been docked four points for breaching Premier League profit and sustainability rules.

An independent commission found Forest's losses to 2022-23 breached the threshold of £61m by £34.5m.

The immediate loss of points means they drop below Luton Town into the Premier League's relegation zone.

Posted by: Dobbo 18th March 2024, 04:16 PM

Watch them appeal and get it reduced to 2 points now.

Posted by: Steve201 18th March 2024, 05:21 PM

Would rather Luton stayed up so hope this helps. Think Rob Edward’s has done a superb job this year and last!

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 18th March 2024, 07:47 PM

Another lifeline for Luton then! Let's see if Forest can bounce back after this - who knows, maybe it'll give them the 'boost' they need?

Posted by: RabbitFurCoat 18th March 2024, 07:51 PM

It's a relief knowing what the punishment is, no worrying about what might be and 4 seems fair, hope there isn't an appeal, just accept and get on with it... Just got to outscore Luton with what should be a much more favourable set of fixtures left.

Posted by: awardinary 18th March 2024, 08:01 PM

How likely is it that Everton are docked more points again before the end of the season?

Posted by: Rooney 18th March 2024, 08:13 PM

QUOTE(awardinary @ Mar 18 2024, 08:01 PM)

Posted by: Mack. 28th March 2024, 07:22 PM

Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association for alleged breaches of betting rules.

The 23-year-old is currently serving a 10-month ban issued by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in October for breaking betting rules in Italy.

Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan in July for £55m.

The FA alleges Tonali broke its rules by placing 50 bets on matches between 12 August and 12 October 2023.

Posted by: Dobbo 30th March 2024, 02:39 PM

That was the craziest game of the season right there.

Posted by: Houdini 31st March 2024, 05:33 PM

QUOTE(Houdini @ Mar 10 2024, 07:12 PM)

Posted by: awardinary 31st March 2024, 05:35 PM

Time for a second football themed poll of the day in the Sports forum!

Posted by: Steve201 31st March 2024, 06:24 PM

It was a good day for Liverpool but can see there being a lot of changes in the next 9 games, we go to OT next which is traditionally the hardest game of the season for us!

Posted by: Rooney 31st March 2024, 06:57 PM

QUOTE(Steve201 @ Mar 31 2024, 07:24 PM)

Posted by: Steve201 31st March 2024, 07:28 PM

Europa league is still on a Thursday night though which is a difficult balance don’t care what people say it creates more fatigue.

Didn’t realise we play Sheff Utd on Wednesday - is there a full fixture programme this mid week?

Posted by: Rooney 31st March 2024, 11:12 PM

QUOTE(Steve201 @ Mar 31 2024, 08:28 PM)

Posted by: Steve201 4th April 2024, 06:36 PM

🚨 The Premier League is considering REMOVING points deductions and introducing an NBA-style 'luxury tax' due to concerns that top players might leave if their pay is restricted.

The 'luxury tax' would penalise clubs financially for overspending, with the penalty increasing based on their spending. Clubs in theory could still choose to spend freely if they prefer but with the knowledge of taking another financial hit.

The tax could then be distributed to the other Premier League clubs who stayed within the rules.

(Source: @MikeKeegan_DM)

Posted by: Cow P 4th April 2024, 09:25 PM

This Chelsea-United goals drama... *.*

Posted by: Cow P 7th April 2024, 04:39 PM

Shame United ruined their last 2 winning chances in the same way, similar position.

Posted by: Houdini 7th April 2024, 04:53 PM

Not a good result for either team really under the circumstances of the match and how it affects the league table. Based on the 1st half Liverpool should have been way in front, I don't think we even had a shot on target during the 1st half. We improved in the 2nd half though and both of our goals were nicely executed but to then concede the penalty late in the game makes it quite disappointing but on the other hand we didn't lose like most people expected us to.

Posted by: Rooney 7th April 2024, 04:55 PM

QUOTE(Cow P @ Apr 7 2024, 05:39 PM)

Posted by: Mack. 8th April 2024, 01:21 PM

Everton have been deducted two points for a second breach of Premier League financial rules.

Profit and sustainability rules (PSR) permit clubs to lose £105m over three years and an independent commission found Everton breached that by £16.6m for the three-year period to 2022-23.

Posted by: Dobbo 8th April 2024, 01:40 PM

QUOTE(Rooney @ Apr 7 2024, 05:55 PM)

Posted by: Dobbo 8th April 2024, 01:41 PM

QUOTE(Mack. @ Apr 8 2024, 02:21 PM)

Posted by: Mack. 8th April 2024, 04:48 PM

And still no news on Man City's various charges.

Posted by: Dobbo 8th April 2024, 05:37 PM

The City thing is just a meme at this point, 115 FC. They have the best lawyers so they're always get off scot free.

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 8th April 2024, 08:52 PM

Certainly sounds like there are a lot of people unhappy with the inconsistency - Everton are still outside the relegation zone though so seem somewhat 'safe'.

Posted by: Rooney 8th April 2024, 10:23 PM

QUOTE(Dobbo @ Apr 8 2024, 06:37 PM)

Posted by: awardinary 14th April 2024, 05:31 PM

Well, that all happened fast. Guess it’s a one horse race now which shouldn’t surprise anyone but it does. Well done Man City.

Posted by: Dobbo 14th April 2024, 05:43 PM

Yep pretty hilarious how it all went to pot in one afternoon

Posted by: Rooney 14th April 2024, 06:20 PM

City could still struggle, they're not playing amazingly. I think the bigger problem is I think both Liverpool & Arsenal will drop more points, so yeah feels inevitable at this point.

Posted by: Dobbo 14th April 2024, 06:52 PM

Na they've clicked into gear now, 12 goals in their last 3 games. The only match they have left that could be problematic is Spurs away and that's only because they are weird bogey team for City. But if the Spurs that got absolutely destroyed by Newcastle yesterday turn up then they have no chance.

Posted by: Rooney 14th April 2024, 07:05 PM

QUOTE(Dobbo @ Apr 14 2024, 07:52 PM)

Posted by: Mack. 18th April 2024, 03:24 PM

The Premier League has also removed its mid-season break from the calendar.

Matches will start in mid-August following a consecutive three-week summer break instead of a shorter spell of rest in the winter, with the decision coming from "expert advice from medical and technical departments".

Posted by: Mack. 19th April 2024, 03:22 PM

Nottingham Forest's appeal against their four-point punishment for breaching profit and sustainability rules (PSR) will be heard on Wednesday, 24 April.

The hearing is expected to be wrapped up within a day, but no final decision will be made on Wednesday and Forest will have to wait to discover if they are successful, with the timeframe of the outcome unclear.

Posted by: Mack. 21st April 2024, 02:58 PM

Posted by: Dobbo 21st April 2024, 02:59 PM

Forest taking a leaf out of Arsenal's book there with that statement.

Posted by: Mack. 22nd April 2024, 03:51 PM

Nottingham Forest have demanded the audio between officials from Sunday’s defeat at Everton be released publicly.

The club was furious after three penalty claims were rejected in the 2-0 defeat at Goodison Park, which kept them just a point above the Premier League relegation zone.

It sparked an angry post on the club’s X account, external where they said they were “considering their options” over “extremely poor” refereeing decisions.

Yet, despite raising some concerns with referees’ body the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) last week, the club did not ask for Stuart Attwell to be taken off video assistant referee duties for their match, BBC Sport has been told.

The club said they had "warned" the PGMOL "the VAR is a Luton fan but they didn't change him".

Posted by: Dobbo 22nd April 2024, 06:02 PM

Ashley Young absolutely got away with murder yesterday.

Posted by: Mack. 23rd April 2024, 11:56 PM

Arsenal moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League and made a potentially significant improvement to their goal difference with a crushing 5-0 victory over Chelsea at Emirates Stadium.

Posted by: Mack. 24th April 2024, 12:03 AM

Wasn't expecting that result. Chelsea looked good against City at the weekend but they completely folded here.

Posted by: Mack. 24th April 2024, 12:33 AM

Nottingham Forest will be offered the chance to privately hear VAR audio from three penalty claims in their match against Everton last Sunday.

On Monday, the club called for the audio between video assistant referee Stuart Attwell and on-field official Anthony Taylor to be released publicly.

Forest were furious after three penalty appeals were rejected in the 2-0 defeat at Goodison Park, which kept them just a point above the Premier League relegation zone.

The rulings sparked an angry post on the club's X account, where Forest said they were "considering their options" over "extremely poor" refereeing decisions.

It is understood that refereeing body Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) will give the club the opportunity to hear the audio in private, as it would with any other club making a similar request.

Posted by: Mack. 24th April 2024, 12:47 AM

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has extended his contract with the club until 2027.

Villa were 16th in the Premier League and fighting relegation when the Spaniard took over from Steven Gerrard in November 2022.

In a remarkable turnaround, Emery, now 52, guided Villa to a seventh-place finish to qualify for the Europa Conference League, the club's first participation in European football since 2010–11.

This season, they sit fourth in the Premier League with Champions League qualification in their sights. They are six points clear of Tottenham, who have two games in hand.

Posted by: Dobbo 24th April 2024, 07:58 AM

Oh so why Forest get to hear the audio in private but when it was the Liverpool offside incident they were forced to make that public?

Posted by: awardinary 24th April 2024, 08:29 AM

QUOTE(Dobbo @ 24th April 2024, 08:58 AM)

Posted by: Dobbo 24th April 2024, 08:34 AM

Perhaps the Liverpool incident exposed them as being totally amateurish so they want to hide from the backlash this time!

Posted by: Dobbo 24th April 2024, 09:46 PM

Sheffield United have broken Derby County's record for most goals conceded in a PL season. Only 8 goals to hit 100 and guess who they're playing next?

Posted by: DJ Cheeky Magpie 24th April 2024, 11:09 PM

Come on might blue we forever Everton

Posted by: Mack. 24th April 2024, 11:16 PM

Wolves' season seems to be fizzling out as they slumped to a fourth successive home defeat in all competitions, for the first time since February 2017 when they were playing in the Championship.

It is six games without victory in the league, losing four during that sequence, and a threadbare squad is making life difficult for boss Gary O'Neil.

Posted by: Mack. 25th April 2024, 12:10 AM

The Premier League's clubs are to discuss the potential introduction of a hard salary cap at its latest Shareholders’ Meeting on Monday.

Having failed to reach a ‘New Deal’ for funding with the English Football League (EFL), the Premier League wants to sort out its own financial rules.

It is committed to changing the current Profit and Sustainability Regulations that have seen Everton and Nottingham Forest deducted points.

It had been thought that pegging spending to revenue in line with a system advocated by European football’s governing body Uefa would have been the alternative chosen.

The Uefa model is working towards clubs being limited to spending 70% of their turnover on wages.

However, clubs are being canvassed over another system, where the top clubs would only be allowed to spend a sum calculated according to the TV revenue of the bottom clubs.

Posted by: Houdini 25th April 2024, 11:14 AM

QUOTE(Dobbo @ 24th April 2024, 10:46 PM)

Posted by: Mack. 26th April 2024, 12:22 AM

Ominous was Man City's performance tonight against Brighton.

Posted by: Mack. 26th April 2024, 12:32 AM

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez will miss the rest of the season after undergoing successful surgery on a groin issue.

The 23-year-old Argentina international will be absent for the club's remaining six Premier League games of the 2023-24 season.

But he could target a return in time for the Copa America, which starts on 20 June.

Posted by: Mack. 26th April 2024, 12:51 AM

Crystal Palace will only entertain offers for star forwards Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise that start at £60m or more for each player.

The Eagles are safe from relegation having secured a club-record 12th season of Premier League football, and financially do not need to sell either player.

However, given some of the praise for 25-year-old Eze in particular in recent weeks and the form of Olise, 22, they accept that bids are highly likely to come this summer.

Posted by: Dobbo 26th April 2024, 08:18 AM

QUOTE(Mack. @ 26th April 2024, 01:22 AM)

Posted by: Mack. 28th April 2024, 05:33 PM

Haaland showed Forest how to finish there.

Posted by: Dobbo 4th May 2024, 07:48 PM

Haaland ending the what was looking very interesting golden boot battle right there.

Posted by: Houdini 5th May 2024, 10:54 AM

100 goals conceded now for Sheffield United which is the joint most of all time in a Premier League season with Swindon Town from the 1993/94 season when they played 42 games instead of 38. Sheffield United will no doubt have the outright record by the time this season ends. It's looking very likely now that all 3 promoted teams will go straight back down into the Championship.

Posted by: Dobbo 13th May 2024, 08:10 PM

According to Postecoglu 100% of Spurs fans want them to win tomorrow. Obviously didn't include literally every single Spurs fan I know then

Posted by: Houdini 13th May 2024, 10:15 PM

The Tottenham players did their annual end of season lap of honour after their home match on Saturday even though they have one more home match to play. They've mentally checked out for the season, can't see them getting anything tomorrow against Manchester City.

Posted by: Liam sota 13th May 2024, 10:28 PM

I fancy Spurs they are the one team that usually trips up man city

Posted by: Rooney 13th May 2024, 10:36 PM

Spurs will roll over and get their tummys tickled, they'll show up for 20 minutes and then the fans will celebrate City scoring. It's akin to how Everton act, I remember the game in 2014n eher they gave up after 10 minutes.

Posted by: Liam sota 13th May 2024, 10:40 PM

That would be small-time an insult to Tottenham as an entity I don't see it happening. Spurs will go all out to prove a point they might end up losing but no way will they rollover otherwusevits sn admission they're a small club

Posted by: Dobbo 13th May 2024, 11:12 PM

I think had Villa got beaten tonight there would have been some impetus for Spurs to win to have an outside shot at stealing top 4 but now there's almost no hope for them so they effectively have nothing to play for.

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 14th May 2024, 05:32 PM

Looks like it's pretty much confirmed that all three new teams are going down then - a bit of a shame but it's how things go sometimes! It'll be interesting to see how they all fare when they're back in the Championship.

Posted by: Houdini 14th May 2024, 06:40 PM

I think Luton & Burnley will have a very good chance of coming straight back up. Sheffield United will struggle I think and it doesn't help that they will start on -2 points, they're that bad that I think they could even be more likely to get relegated again rather than get promoted. Bramall Lane wont be seeing Premier League football again for a good number of years I reckon.

Posted by: Dobbo 14th May 2024, 09:35 PM

Only the second time ever all 3 promoted teams go straight back down. So it's actually even rarer than all 3 staying up.

Posted by: Houdini 14th May 2024, 10:08 PM

Leicester will make sure that it doesn't happen again next season I think. Ipswich will find the jump from Championship to Premier League too tough, especially as they've jumped from League One to the Premier League within 2 seasons. For the play off contending teams it's only Leeds maybe that could do it if their defence wont be too leaky.

Posted by: Rooney 14th May 2024, 11:26 PM

QUOTE(Houdini @ 14th May 2024, 11:08 PM)

Posted by: awardinary 15th May 2024, 12:10 AM

I think when Toney leaves Brentford in the Summer that will signal the beginning of the end of Brentford's time in the premier league, so I will feel quite confident that they will struggle next season to survive the drop, even though they had a lot of this season without him. Forest are certainly going back down eventually. Everton get away without every season.

Leicester will stay up next season I feel sure about that, I think Ipswich could do a Brentford and be stable for a few seasons. It's between Leeds and Southampton for me who joins them in going straight back down to the championship next season whilst they continue to regroup and restructure.

Posted by: Dobbo 15th May 2024, 08:02 AM

Actually I don't think Luton have been that good tbh. 26 points is a paltry total, it's only because of the other 2 promoted teams being even worse and the deductions for Everton & Forest that have kept their 'fairytale' survival push more in the spotlight. They had that run of putting 4 past Brighton and Newcastle in back to back games but since then they've been absolute wet garbage.

Leicester should comfortably survive next season. I'm just relieved that we don't have the exact same 3 teams coming back up or else this season was a complete waste of time (save for Villa coming top 4) and a club with the pedigree of Ipswich will be a credit to the league.

QUOTE(awardinary @ 15th May 2024, 01:10 AM)

Posted by: Dobbo 15th May 2024, 08:06 AM

QUOTE(Rooney @ 15th May 2024, 12:26 AM)

Posted by: Liam sota 15th May 2024, 08:42 AM

Son really missed a golden chance at 0-1 in the 87th minute. Would be a shame it city won again. Them charges need to be hurried up

Posted by: Liam sota 15th May 2024, 08:44 AM

QUOTE(Dobbo @ 15th May 2024, 09:02 AM)

Posted by: RabbitFurCoat 15th May 2024, 09:37 AM

Leicester are likely to start on minus points and need to sell before they can buy, they seem to have messed up FFP way more than Everton or Forest have. I don't think they're certs to stay up at all. Maresca is worse than Kompany for being Pep-lite, there's no way he can play like that in the league above with that squad.

I think there's another good case for all three promoted teams to come back down again, Ipswich's style won't translate when they concede that many chances and goals and I don't rate any of the play-off teams that much.

Brentford have suffered massively from injuries this season, Forest's team can be very good and their first XI is way better than where it is in the table, and no one else looks close to dropping to <35 points, Everton maybe because of finances.

Posted by: Rooney 15th May 2024, 01:48 PM

QUOTE(Liam sota @ 15th May 2024, 09:44 AM)

QUOTE(RabbitFurCoat @ 15th May 2024, 10:37 AM)

Posted by: Dobbo 15th May 2024, 01:58 PM

I'm not so sure they both leave, Eze screams of Zaha to me. Always linked with a move but for whatever reason sticks around, he's very injury prone too. Can see Chelsea laying down 100M or something on Olise though lol.

Posted by: Steve201 16th May 2024, 12:21 AM

QUOTE(Dobbo @ 15th May 2024, 09:02 AM)

Posted by: Rooney 16th May 2024, 01:29 PM

Interesting that Wolves have put forward the VAR motion. Can’t help but feel scrapping it is not the solution, what happens when there’s an incident and a club says “oh VAR would have saved this”. We have a problem with how we use the technology, we have inconsistent thresholds and the referees update their collective views across the season. We’ve crap officials, this should be the first thing that’s addressed.

Posted by: Liam sota 16th May 2024, 01:37 PM

It’s a mess. You can’t now only have VAR for purely clear errors because people’s interpretation of that is different. I would have liked offsides to be for non marginal ones but if the technology is there and it’s marginal people will say it doesn’t matter it’s offside just use the technology. So we are in a situation where it’s VAR or no VAR there is no real in between. I would opt for no VAR but it feels like a step backwards too

Posted by: Dobbo 16th May 2024, 02:43 PM

The main reason for bringing in VAR was to override "clear and obvious errors". Well what is clear and obvious is that is precisely NOT what we are seeing but rather re-refereeing of the game. Added to that the unacceptably long delays which is even worse for the fans in the stadia and I don't see many benefits of its use as it's currently being used. I'm as pro-VAR as they come but I don't think I'd miss it if the Prem scrapped it.

Posted by: Steve201 16th May 2024, 08:40 PM

I’d get rid of it for marginal offsides - thets the biggest joke as it’s not 100% right given the frames issue. Then it should be used for things like the penalty that was going to be given to Wolves last weekend until it was found to be a challenge outside the box. Things like that can be mistaken and it should be used for it. But not for every marginal detail for me.

Posted by: Mack. 18th May 2024, 03:15 PM

Bad news for Brighton fans, Roberto de Zerbi is set to leave Brighton at the end of their game against Man United.

Posted by: Dobbo 18th May 2024, 04:16 PM

Or is it? Overrated manager imo.

Posted by: awardinary 18th May 2024, 04:19 PM

I hear Graham Potter is available again.

Can we have an early Premier League 24/25 prediction thread perhaps for any speculative transfers and managerial appointments/departures?

Posted by: Mack. 19th May 2024, 12:58 PM

Once again gone for all teams to score today in the final Premier League matches.

Posted by: Mack. 19th May 2024, 05:01 PM

Another title another pitch invasion.

Posted by: Dobbo 19th May 2024, 05:04 PM

Arteta still with just an FA Cup to show so far.

Posted by: Cow P 19th May 2024, 05:12 PM

Chelsea unexpectedly returns to the European tournament.

Caicedo is definitely worth a Puskas contender.

Posted by: Liam sota 19th May 2024, 05:38 PM

Arsenal very unlucky 89 points is great, palace got some real talent. They’re going to make a lot of money this summer

Posted by: hinterland 19th May 2024, 05:47 PM

pleased to see Chels end the season in 6th, I’m sure we would have comfortably been 4th had we not had the unprecedented injury crisis. hoping for a stable squad over the summer (though if anyone wouldn’t mind seeing Enzo & Chilwell depart), I’ve high hopes for next season.

& of course another well-deserved title for City.

if Palace can keep Mitchell, Wharton, Eze & Mateta (which I think is more likely than most think) I could see them mounting a challenge for Europe next season.

Posted by: Houdini 19th May 2024, 06:29 PM

The "greatest title race of all time" ends up with the same formulaic outcome of City winning the title. There's just a feeling now that no matter what happens during the season by matchday 38 they will always be on top, like things just always fall into place for them. The future of the Premier League looks bleak to be honest.

Posted by: Dobbo 19th May 2024, 06:43 PM

Pep won't be around forever, they'll have their drop-off eventually.

If Arsenal had just won that Villa match...

Posted by: Rooney 19th May 2024, 07:28 PM

QUOTE(Houdini @ 19th May 2024, 07:29 PM)

Posted by: Steve201 19th May 2024, 07:40 PM

Some of the comments above are pretty disrespectful to City tbh I mean I’m a Liverpool fan but they are the first team in the history of English football to win 4 league titles in a row. And it just strikes me as sour grapes to talk like football is irony now etc just because your team isn’t winning it. As Dobbo said Pep will leave in the next few years and become Brazil or Argentina manager and then things will get shaken up a bit.

Posted by: Rooney 19th May 2024, 08:20 PM

QUOTE(Steve201 @ 19th May 2024, 08:40 PM)

Posted by: Steve201 19th May 2024, 08:37 PM

In 50 years time no one will remember or care if they are found guilty of these charges, let’s face it!

Posted by: Liam sota 19th May 2024, 08:49 PM

Could still win the FA cup and get into Europe that way

Posted by: Rooney 19th May 2024, 09:05 PM

QUOTE(Steve201 @ 19th May 2024, 09:37 PM)

Posted by: hinterland 19th May 2024, 10:10 PM

I wouldn't think City's reign of complete dominance will continue for much longer (not that it's totally one sided, Arsenal were very unfortunate not to come away with the title this season..) - the likes of De Bruyne, Silva & Walker will inevitably start to decline in a few years, and others such as Kovacic, Doku & Grealish don't strike me as the type to have 10+ year tenures at the club like many end up with at City.

I think next year's title race will be much more open - this has very much been a transitional season for Liverpool/Spurs/Chelsea/United... all will mount a much stronger challenge next season without doubt.

Posted by: awardinary 19th May 2024, 10:36 PM

The way I would also look at matters is would City ever put a price tag on players like Foden, Rodri, Doku and of course Haaland? Foden in particular, who's the 2023-24 player of the season has won the league six times and he's only 23... would he ever swap life at City for anyone else in his career? It seems very unlikely.

It's not even an aging squad, aside from the likes of Walker and De Bruyne who probably have a couple of seasons left in them at the top before moving on.

We know Mbappe is never coming to the prem, just like Messi never did, so there's very little quality available anywhere in Europe, Brazil or anywhere else in the world to challenge City's elite.

Posted by: Rooney 19th May 2024, 11:40 PM

QUOTE(awardinary @ 19th May 2024, 11:36 PM)

Posted by: Steve201 20th May 2024, 09:09 AM

QUOTE(Rooney @ 19th May 2024, 10:05 PM)

Posted by: RabbitFurCoat 20th May 2024, 09:12 AM

QUOTE(Steve201 @ 20th May 2024, 10:09 AM)

Posted by: Dobbo 20th May 2024, 09:31 AM

Pep has strongly hinted he'll leave City at the end of next season (fingers crossed lol). 5 in a row would be a fitting note to leave on, imagine he probably wants another CL as the priority.

Posted by: Liam sota 20th May 2024, 10:29 AM

They have to be guilty of some of the charges surely even a 10 point deduction should stop them but it’s anticipated they’ll get a lot worse

Posted by: Rooney 20th May 2024, 10:39 AM

QUOTE(Steve201 @ 20th May 2024, 10:09 AM)

Posted by: Houdini 20th May 2024, 07:38 PM

QUOTE(Dobbo @ 20th May 2024, 10:31 AM)

Posted by: Steve201 20th May 2024, 10:13 PM

🤣 Please leave Pep!!

Posted by: Mack. 21st May 2024, 06:07 PM

Pochettino leaves Chelsea apparently..