hobbo1
Well-known member
@happy_tiger said in [Soccer talk and Banter said:
In a friendly 🙄
Doesn’t west ham have any decent friends 😂
24/6
Soccer Super Thread
- Thread starter benjibrotown
- Start date
In a friendly 🙄
Doesn’t west ham have any decent friends 😂
24/6
happy_tiger
Well-known member
@hobbo1 said in [Soccer talk and Banter said:
Enemies that day for damn sure
This is an extract from the Scout, EPL main site re guidance (sort of) for the soon to re-start Fantasy League comp:
The Premier League will resume on Wednesday 17 June if all safety requirements are in place and each FPL manager has unlimited free transfers to prepare their squads for the 2019/20 season run-in.
Fortunately The Scout is on hand to highlight players likely to hit the ground running, consistent performers worth investing in and clubs with the most favourable fixtures:
Goalkeepers
• Bernd Leno (ARS)
• Nick Pope (BUR)
Defenders
• Trent Alexander-Arnold (LIV)
• Matt Doherty (WOL)
• Enda Stevens (SHU)
• Federico Fernandez (NEW)
• Charlie Taylor (BUR)
Midfielders
• Kevin De Bruyne (MCI)
• Mohamed Salah (LIV)
• Jack Grealish (AVL)
• Bruno Fernandes (MUN)
• Ismaila Sarr (WAT)
Forwards
• Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ARS)
• Raul Jimenez (WOL)
• Marcus Rashford (MUN)
• Teemu Pukki (NOR)
• Dominic Calvert-Lewin (EVE)
The GW30+ deadline is Wednesday 17 June.
The Double Gameweek opens with Aston Villa v Sheffield Utd and Man City v Arsenal followed by a full round of 10 fixtures.
The Premier League will resume on Wednesday 17 June if all safety requirements are in place and each FPL manager has unlimited free transfers to prepare their squads for the 2019/20 season run-in.
Fortunately The Scout is on hand to highlight players likely to hit the ground running, consistent performers worth investing in and clubs with the most favourable fixtures:
Goalkeepers
• Bernd Leno (ARS)
• Nick Pope (BUR)
Defenders
• Trent Alexander-Arnold (LIV)
• Matt Doherty (WOL)
• Enda Stevens (SHU)
• Federico Fernandez (NEW)
• Charlie Taylor (BUR)
Midfielders
• Kevin De Bruyne (MCI)
• Mohamed Salah (LIV)
• Jack Grealish (AVL)
• Bruno Fernandes (MUN)
• Ismaila Sarr (WAT)
Forwards
• Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ARS)
• Raul Jimenez (WOL)
• Marcus Rashford (MUN)
• Teemu Pukki (NOR)
• Dominic Calvert-Lewin (EVE)
The GW30+ deadline is Wednesday 17 June.
The Double Gameweek opens with Aston Villa v Sheffield Utd and Man City v Arsenal followed by a full round of 10 fixtures.
@tiger_one said in [Barclays EPL Fantasy Football League 2019\-2020](/post/1163788) said:
Tinkering away
guyofthetiger
Well-known member
I’m taking. FH as I used my WC. Happy with my team otherwise for the run in. Loaded up on DGW players entirely.
Good to haveFPL back 👌
Good to haveFPL back 👌
guyofthetiger
Well-known member
We got t8me to create a mini league for the run home?
guyofthetiger
Well-known member
Set up a WTF FPL Home Run h2h league for 8 players with one round knockout final round.
Code is yeqdsw
Hopefully we can muster troops
Code is yeqdsw
Hopefully we can muster troops
It's back.
Check out: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53009593
The Premier League returns - all you need to know
The Premier League returns on Wednesday... but not exactly as we know it.
After a 100-day absence because of the coronavirus pandemic, Aston Villa v Sheffield United will kick off the English top-flight's resumption.
It is the first of 92 league games that will be packed into a frantic 40 days before the season concludes on 26 July.
Fixtures will be played behind closed doors as one of a host of measures to prevent any further cases of the virus.
A minute's silence to remember those who have died with coronavirus will be held before the first matches, while heart-shaped badges in tribute to frontline NHS staff will also be worn on kits.
For the first 12 matches of the restarted campaign, all player names on the back of shirts will be replaced by "Black Lives Matter".
This follows the death of George Floyd in the United States, which has sparked protests worldwide.
Over eight rounds of twice-weekly coronavirus screenings of Premier League players and staff, there have been 16 positive results from 8,687 tests.
All remaining 92 games will be broadcast live, with four matches to be shown on the BBC - the first to be made free-to-air on terrestrial television since the Premier League's inception in 1992.
Liverpool sit 25 points clear at the top of the table while Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Norwich City are in the relegation places.
The Reds, chasing a first league title in 30 years, could clinch it with victory in their first game back should second-placed Manchester City lose to Arsenal on Wednesday.
Why is the Premier League returning now?
With the number of new infections falling and lockdown restrictions in England being gradually eased, the Premier League agreed it was safe to resume with the correct safety measures in place.
This was followed by the UK government giving the go-ahead for elite competitive sport to resume behind closed doors from 1 June.
Clubs unanimously voted to resume contact training in the final week of May, having started non-contact training the previous week as part of Project Restart.
Premier League players and staff will continue to be tested twice a week, with any players or staff who test positive self-isolating for a period of seven days.
The delaying of Euro 2020 by a year provided the Premier League with greater flexibility in which to fit in fixtures.
But there remains a time pressure imposed by issues with players' contracts, many of which run out on 30 June, and the scheduled start of the 2020-21 season in August.
The fixture list, including kick-off times, for the first 32 matches after the restart was announced on 5 June.
Aston Villa will face Sheffield United in the opening match at 18:00 BST on Wednesday, before Manchester City host Arsenal later the same evening.
The first full round of fixtures will then be played over the weekend.
What new measures have been put in place?
All matches behind closed doors, with number of key people allowed inside the stadium limited to 300.
Stadiums divided into three zones - red (includes pitch and technical areas), amber (stands) and green (stand concourses) - with restrictions on who is allowed to enter each.
Teams able to make five substitutions, rather than three, in each match and able to name nine substitutes instead of the usual seven.
Staggered entry on to pitch for players and staff and no handshakes before kick-off. Deep cleaning of corner flags, goalposts, substitution boards and match balls before and after each fixture.
Extra disinfection, such as of the substitution board after it is used, likely during matches and at half-time.
Medical protocols stipulate how squads and coaching staff must travel to and from games, observing social distancing.
Post-match broadcast interviews will take place pitchside with press conferences conducted virtually.
VAR will continue to be in operation.
How did we leave things?
Before the suspension of play in the Premier League, Liverpool were hurtling towards their first top-flight title in 30 years.
The league will restart with the Reds 25 points clear at the top and potentially one win away from confirming their triumph.
If Manchester City lose their game in hand - against Arsenal on Wednesday - Jurgen Klopp's side will seal the title with victory in the Merseyside derby at Everton on Sunday.
The race for a top-four spot is less of a formality.
Premier League - race for the Champions League
City's two-year ban from European competition (appeal pending) means fifth place will be enough for a Champions League spot.
Liverpool, Leicester, Chelsea and Manchester United are currently occupying the qualification places, but the likes of Wolves, Sheffield United, Tottenham and Arsenal will all begin again with a place in Europe's top competition as their aim.
Down at the bottom, six clubs are seemingly battling it out to avoid the drop.
Bottom club Norwich are six points adrift on 21 points. Aston Villa and Bournemouth are the two clubs above them but are part of a group of five clubs, along with Watford, West Ham and Brighton, separated by just four points.
Check out: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53009593
The Premier League returns - all you need to know
The Premier League returns on Wednesday... but not exactly as we know it.
After a 100-day absence because of the coronavirus pandemic, Aston Villa v Sheffield United will kick off the English top-flight's resumption.
It is the first of 92 league games that will be packed into a frantic 40 days before the season concludes on 26 July.
Fixtures will be played behind closed doors as one of a host of measures to prevent any further cases of the virus.
A minute's silence to remember those who have died with coronavirus will be held before the first matches, while heart-shaped badges in tribute to frontline NHS staff will also be worn on kits.
For the first 12 matches of the restarted campaign, all player names on the back of shirts will be replaced by "Black Lives Matter".
This follows the death of George Floyd in the United States, which has sparked protests worldwide.
Over eight rounds of twice-weekly coronavirus screenings of Premier League players and staff, there have been 16 positive results from 8,687 tests.
All remaining 92 games will be broadcast live, with four matches to be shown on the BBC - the first to be made free-to-air on terrestrial television since the Premier League's inception in 1992.
Liverpool sit 25 points clear at the top of the table while Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Norwich City are in the relegation places.
The Reds, chasing a first league title in 30 years, could clinch it with victory in their first game back should second-placed Manchester City lose to Arsenal on Wednesday.
Why is the Premier League returning now?
With the number of new infections falling and lockdown restrictions in England being gradually eased, the Premier League agreed it was safe to resume with the correct safety measures in place.
This was followed by the UK government giving the go-ahead for elite competitive sport to resume behind closed doors from 1 June.
Clubs unanimously voted to resume contact training in the final week of May, having started non-contact training the previous week as part of Project Restart.
Premier League players and staff will continue to be tested twice a week, with any players or staff who test positive self-isolating for a period of seven days.
The delaying of Euro 2020 by a year provided the Premier League with greater flexibility in which to fit in fixtures.
But there remains a time pressure imposed by issues with players' contracts, many of which run out on 30 June, and the scheduled start of the 2020-21 season in August.
The fixture list, including kick-off times, for the first 32 matches after the restart was announced on 5 June.
Aston Villa will face Sheffield United in the opening match at 18:00 BST on Wednesday, before Manchester City host Arsenal later the same evening.
The first full round of fixtures will then be played over the weekend.
What new measures have been put in place?
All matches behind closed doors, with number of key people allowed inside the stadium limited to 300.
Stadiums divided into three zones - red (includes pitch and technical areas), amber (stands) and green (stand concourses) - with restrictions on who is allowed to enter each.
Teams able to make five substitutions, rather than three, in each match and able to name nine substitutes instead of the usual seven.
Staggered entry on to pitch for players and staff and no handshakes before kick-off. Deep cleaning of corner flags, goalposts, substitution boards and match balls before and after each fixture.
Extra disinfection, such as of the substitution board after it is used, likely during matches and at half-time.
Medical protocols stipulate how squads and coaching staff must travel to and from games, observing social distancing.
Post-match broadcast interviews will take place pitchside with press conferences conducted virtually.
VAR will continue to be in operation.
How did we leave things?
Before the suspension of play in the Premier League, Liverpool were hurtling towards their first top-flight title in 30 years.
The league will restart with the Reds 25 points clear at the top and potentially one win away from confirming their triumph.
If Manchester City lose their game in hand - against Arsenal on Wednesday - Jurgen Klopp's side will seal the title with victory in the Merseyside derby at Everton on Sunday.
The race for a top-four spot is less of a formality.
Premier League - race for the Champions League
City's two-year ban from European competition (appeal pending) means fifth place will be enough for a Champions League spot.
Liverpool, Leicester, Chelsea and Manchester United are currently occupying the qualification places, but the likes of Wolves, Sheffield United, Tottenham and Arsenal will all begin again with a place in Europe's top competition as their aim.
Down at the bottom, six clubs are seemingly battling it out to avoid the drop.
Bottom club Norwich are six points adrift on 21 points. Aston Villa and Bournemouth are the two clubs above them but are part of a group of five clubs, along with Watford, West Ham and Brighton, separated by just four points.
All you need to know WHAM suck..the end
happy_tiger
Well-known member
@Geo said in [Soccer talk and Banter said:
My biggest concern is things go bad in the next 3 games
If not we play 5 of the 6 teams all in the relegation fight around us
Jedi_Tiger
Well-known member
Go the Gunners always next year
And wait, there's more:
Check out Foxsports: https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/premier-league/100-days-later-the-premier-league-returns-tomorrow-heres-what-you-need-to-know/news-story/d4117030e64d8bfb115b7c6b24df2931
100 days later, the Premier League returns tomorrow. Here’s what you need to know
Premier League
It’s coming back.
Premier League football returns on Thursday morning AEST after a three-month coronavirus-enforced absence.
Nothing realistically will stop Liverpool from being crowned English champions for the first time in 30 years.
But there are a whole host of other issues to sort out, including relegation and next year’s European places, with the drama set to take place in empty, echoing stadiums.
Here’s everything you need to know!
HOW THINGS WILL LOOK
Like leagues in Germany and Spain, strict social distancing and the absence of fans will be the two biggest changes.
Clubs will reportedly be able to use video screens in stadiums to create “fan walls” made up of supporters on live video calls, while some will also use cardboard cut-outs.
It is understood that Premier League clubs will also be allowed to play prerecorded fan chants in stadiums to celebrate goals from the home team.
Piped-in crowd noise could also be used for substitutions, VAR appeals and the final whistle. Realistic crowd sounds and chants are being taken from the FIFA 20 computer game.
Teams can use “stadium dressing” — comprising fan imagery, flags and banners — to cover the seats in the lower tiers of stands, minimising the visual impact of empty arenas.
In total, about 300 people will be allowed in stadiums for each match, with strict health protocols in place.
There will be widespread disinfection of changing facilities, dugouts, matchballs, goalposts, corner flags and substitution boards.
People other than players and coaching staff on team benches must wear face coverings.
The games themselves will look different. Players have been told to maintain social-distancing during goal celebrations and encouraged not to spit.
Handshakes will be discouraged, but there will be no disciplinary sanctions for players who forget these guidelines in the heat of the moment. They must also keep their distance from referees, while coaching staff on the sidelines are equally under instruction not to come within two metres of the fourth official.
The hectic fixture list, warm summer temperatures and a lack of preparation time could lead to more injuries, so world governing body FIFA has given the green light for five substitutions per match. Some believe that unfairly helps teams with bigger squads.
Meanwhile, following the recent death of George Floyd, killed by a white police officer in the United States, the Black Lives Matter cause will also be visible.
Players’ names will be replaced on the back of their shirts with “Black Lives Matter” for the first 12 matches, while the league will back anyone who chooses to take a knee in protest before or during matches.
THE LADDER
Rank; Team; Played; Goal Difference; Points.
1 LIVERPOOL: 29. 45. 82.
2 MAN CITY: 28. 37. 57.
3 LEICESTER: 29. 30. 53.
4 CHELSEA: 29. 12. 48.
5 MAN UNITED: 29. 14. 45.
6 WOLVERHAMPTON: 29. 7. 43.
7 SHEFFIELD UNITED: 28. 5. 43.
8 TOTTENHAM: 29. 7. 41.
9 ARSENAL: 28. 4. 40.
10 BURNLEY: 29. -6. 39.
11 CRYSTAL PALACE: 29. -6. 39.
12 EVERTON: 29. -9. 37.
13 NEWCASTLE: 29. -16. 35.
14 SOUTHAMPTON: 29. -17. 34.
15 BRIGHTON: 29. -8. 29.
16 WEST HAM: 29. -15. 27.
17 WATFORD: 29. -17. 27.
18 BOURNEMOUTH: 29. -18. 27.
19 ASTON VILLA: 28. -22. 25.
20 NORWICH: 29. -27. 21.
FIXTURES
With 92 games in just five-and-a-half weeks, it’s set to be a deluge of football. Here’s the first weekend of action.
Thursday (all times AEST):
Aston Villa v Sheffield United (3.00am)
Manchester City v Arsenal (5.15am)
Saturday:
Norwich v Southampton (3.00am)
Tottenham v Manchester United (5.15am)
Watford v Leicester (9.30pm)
Brighton v Arsenal (midnight)
Sunday:
West Ham v Wolves (2.30am)
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (4.45am)
Newcastle v Sheffield United (11pm)
Monday:
Aston Villa v Chelsea (1.15am)
Everton v Liverpool (4.00am)
Tuesday:
Manchester City v Burnley (5.00am)
GOLDEN BOOT RACE
Jamie Vardy, Leicester – 19 goals
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Arsenal – 17 goals
Sergio Aguero, Manchester City – 16 goals
Mohamed Salah, Liverpool – 16 goals
Danny Ings, Southampton – 15 goals
Marcus Rashford, Manchester United – 14 goals
Sadio Mane, Liverpool – 14 goals
GOLDEN GLOVE RACE: Most Clean Sheets
Nick Pope, Burnley – 11 clear sheets
Alisson, Liverpool – 10 clean sheets
Dean Henderson, Sheffield United – 10 clean sheets
Kasper Schmeichel, Leicester – 10 clean sheets
BURNING QUESTIONS
When will Liverpool be champions?
Liverpool were 25 points clear of Manchester City and within touching distance of becoming English champions for the first time since 1990 when the league was suspended in March.
But while COVID-19 may have delayed their title party, nobody seriously believes it is not going to happen.
Two more wins would make it mathematically impossible for City to catch Liverpool, but the Reds could triumph by winning their first game, at Merseyside neighbours Everton on Monday morning, if City lose at home to Arsenal on Thursday morning.
Jurgen Klopp’s men can also break two of City’s most cherished records — they need 19 points from the remaining 27 to beat the Manchester club’s total of 100 points from the 2017/18 season and they could also better City’s record title-winning margin of 19 points from the same campaign.
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson lifted the Champions League trophy in a packed stadium in Madrid last June but is preparing for a different experience with the Premier League silverware being presented behind closed doors this year.
“Of course it would feel different because if you win any trophy and receive it without any fans there, it would be pretty strange,” he told the BBC.
Champions League battle
Intriguingly, the battle for top-four spots could be extended to include fifth place.
Liverpool are assured of their place in the Champions League and the other qualifying berths are currently occupied by Manchester City, Leicester and Chelsea.
But as things stand, City cannot compete in Europe’s top club competition for the next two seasons after being banned for financial fair play breaches.
Pep Guardiola’s side have appealed, however, and could still hold onto their Champions League place next season if the suspension is overturned.
If it is upheld, whoever finishes fifth will take their place in next season’s Champions League.
Manchester United currently occupy that position, but Wolves and Sheffield United are both just two points behind Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team.
Eighth-placed Tottenham and Arsenal, one spot lower, will also fancy their chances of finishing fifth with a late charge.
Battle to avoid the drop
Norwich, Aston Villa and Bournemouth occupy the bottom three places in the Premier League but all will harbour hopes they can escape the drop.
Norwich are rock-bottom and six points from safety but a win at home to Leicester in late February gave them hope.
Villa had lost four straight games before the shutdown so the break could end up helping Dean Smith’s team, who have a game in hand over their rivals, while Eddie Howe will be desperate for Bournemouth to find some form after a run of seven defeats in 10 games.
Above the current bottom three, Watford are still in trouble despite their impressive initial revival under Nigel Pearson, while West Ham and Brighton are far from safe.
Fit to play
A clutch of top players will be raring to go after lengthy spells on the sidelines.
England striker Harry Kane is hungry for a return and Spurs teammate Son Heung-min will also be able to feature after recovering from a broken arm.
Manchester United pair Paul Pogba, with just eight appearances this season, and Marcus Rashford, out of action since January with a back injury, should also feature.
Check out Foxsports: https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/premier-league/100-days-later-the-premier-league-returns-tomorrow-heres-what-you-need-to-know/news-story/d4117030e64d8bfb115b7c6b24df2931
100 days later, the Premier League returns tomorrow. Here’s what you need to know
Premier League
It’s coming back.
Premier League football returns on Thursday morning AEST after a three-month coronavirus-enforced absence.
Nothing realistically will stop Liverpool from being crowned English champions for the first time in 30 years.
But there are a whole host of other issues to sort out, including relegation and next year’s European places, with the drama set to take place in empty, echoing stadiums.
Here’s everything you need to know!
HOW THINGS WILL LOOK
Like leagues in Germany and Spain, strict social distancing and the absence of fans will be the two biggest changes.
Clubs will reportedly be able to use video screens in stadiums to create “fan walls” made up of supporters on live video calls, while some will also use cardboard cut-outs.
It is understood that Premier League clubs will also be allowed to play prerecorded fan chants in stadiums to celebrate goals from the home team.
Piped-in crowd noise could also be used for substitutions, VAR appeals and the final whistle. Realistic crowd sounds and chants are being taken from the FIFA 20 computer game.
Teams can use “stadium dressing” — comprising fan imagery, flags and banners — to cover the seats in the lower tiers of stands, minimising the visual impact of empty arenas.
In total, about 300 people will be allowed in stadiums for each match, with strict health protocols in place.
There will be widespread disinfection of changing facilities, dugouts, matchballs, goalposts, corner flags and substitution boards.
People other than players and coaching staff on team benches must wear face coverings.
The games themselves will look different. Players have been told to maintain social-distancing during goal celebrations and encouraged not to spit.
Handshakes will be discouraged, but there will be no disciplinary sanctions for players who forget these guidelines in the heat of the moment. They must also keep their distance from referees, while coaching staff on the sidelines are equally under instruction not to come within two metres of the fourth official.
The hectic fixture list, warm summer temperatures and a lack of preparation time could lead to more injuries, so world governing body FIFA has given the green light for five substitutions per match. Some believe that unfairly helps teams with bigger squads.
Meanwhile, following the recent death of George Floyd, killed by a white police officer in the United States, the Black Lives Matter cause will also be visible.
Players’ names will be replaced on the back of their shirts with “Black Lives Matter” for the first 12 matches, while the league will back anyone who chooses to take a knee in protest before or during matches.
THE LADDER
Rank; Team; Played; Goal Difference; Points.
1 LIVERPOOL: 29. 45. 82.
2 MAN CITY: 28. 37. 57.
3 LEICESTER: 29. 30. 53.
4 CHELSEA: 29. 12. 48.
5 MAN UNITED: 29. 14. 45.
6 WOLVERHAMPTON: 29. 7. 43.
7 SHEFFIELD UNITED: 28. 5. 43.
8 TOTTENHAM: 29. 7. 41.
9 ARSENAL: 28. 4. 40.
10 BURNLEY: 29. -6. 39.
11 CRYSTAL PALACE: 29. -6. 39.
12 EVERTON: 29. -9. 37.
13 NEWCASTLE: 29. -16. 35.
14 SOUTHAMPTON: 29. -17. 34.
15 BRIGHTON: 29. -8. 29.
16 WEST HAM: 29. -15. 27.
17 WATFORD: 29. -17. 27.
18 BOURNEMOUTH: 29. -18. 27.
19 ASTON VILLA: 28. -22. 25.
20 NORWICH: 29. -27. 21.
FIXTURES
With 92 games in just five-and-a-half weeks, it’s set to be a deluge of football. Here’s the first weekend of action.
Thursday (all times AEST):
Aston Villa v Sheffield United (3.00am)
Manchester City v Arsenal (5.15am)
Saturday:
Norwich v Southampton (3.00am)
Tottenham v Manchester United (5.15am)
Watford v Leicester (9.30pm)
Brighton v Arsenal (midnight)
Sunday:
West Ham v Wolves (2.30am)
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (4.45am)
Newcastle v Sheffield United (11pm)
Monday:
Aston Villa v Chelsea (1.15am)
Everton v Liverpool (4.00am)
Tuesday:
Manchester City v Burnley (5.00am)
GOLDEN BOOT RACE
Jamie Vardy, Leicester – 19 goals
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Arsenal – 17 goals
Sergio Aguero, Manchester City – 16 goals
Mohamed Salah, Liverpool – 16 goals
Danny Ings, Southampton – 15 goals
Marcus Rashford, Manchester United – 14 goals
Sadio Mane, Liverpool – 14 goals
GOLDEN GLOVE RACE: Most Clean Sheets
Nick Pope, Burnley – 11 clear sheets
Alisson, Liverpool – 10 clean sheets
Dean Henderson, Sheffield United – 10 clean sheets
Kasper Schmeichel, Leicester – 10 clean sheets
BURNING QUESTIONS
When will Liverpool be champions?
Liverpool were 25 points clear of Manchester City and within touching distance of becoming English champions for the first time since 1990 when the league was suspended in March.
But while COVID-19 may have delayed their title party, nobody seriously believes it is not going to happen.
Two more wins would make it mathematically impossible for City to catch Liverpool, but the Reds could triumph by winning their first game, at Merseyside neighbours Everton on Monday morning, if City lose at home to Arsenal on Thursday morning.
Jurgen Klopp’s men can also break two of City’s most cherished records — they need 19 points from the remaining 27 to beat the Manchester club’s total of 100 points from the 2017/18 season and they could also better City’s record title-winning margin of 19 points from the same campaign.
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson lifted the Champions League trophy in a packed stadium in Madrid last June but is preparing for a different experience with the Premier League silverware being presented behind closed doors this year.
“Of course it would feel different because if you win any trophy and receive it without any fans there, it would be pretty strange,” he told the BBC.
Champions League battle
Intriguingly, the battle for top-four spots could be extended to include fifth place.
Liverpool are assured of their place in the Champions League and the other qualifying berths are currently occupied by Manchester City, Leicester and Chelsea.
But as things stand, City cannot compete in Europe’s top club competition for the next two seasons after being banned for financial fair play breaches.
Pep Guardiola’s side have appealed, however, and could still hold onto their Champions League place next season if the suspension is overturned.
If it is upheld, whoever finishes fifth will take their place in next season’s Champions League.
Manchester United currently occupy that position, but Wolves and Sheffield United are both just two points behind Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team.
Eighth-placed Tottenham and Arsenal, one spot lower, will also fancy their chances of finishing fifth with a late charge.
Battle to avoid the drop
Norwich, Aston Villa and Bournemouth occupy the bottom three places in the Premier League but all will harbour hopes they can escape the drop.
Norwich are rock-bottom and six points from safety but a win at home to Leicester in late February gave them hope.
Villa had lost four straight games before the shutdown so the break could end up helping Dean Smith’s team, who have a game in hand over their rivals, while Eddie Howe will be desperate for Bournemouth to find some form after a run of seven defeats in 10 games.
Above the current bottom three, Watford are still in trouble despite their impressive initial revival under Nigel Pearson, while West Ham and Brighton are far from safe.
Fit to play
A clutch of top players will be raring to go after lengthy spells on the sidelines.
England striker Harry Kane is hungry for a return and Spurs teammate Son Heung-min will also be able to feature after recovering from a broken arm.
Manchester United pair Paul Pogba, with just eight appearances this season, and Marcus Rashford, out of action since January with a back injury, should also feature.
guyofthetiger
Well-known member
@tiger_one said in [Barclays EPL Fantasy Football League 2019\-2020](/post/1163948) said:
Excellent. See if we can get any other takers.
guyofthetiger
Well-known member
A reminder lockout 2am tomorrow (Thursday) morning
Harvey
Well-known member
I am in (madge's extended ban)
@guyofthetiger said in [Barclays EPL Fantasy Football League 2019\-2020](/post/1163914) said:
Joined
guyofthetiger
Well-known member
Sorted. It’s a 6 man league. 7 weeks then 2 weeks knockout.
Should be a good game to start. And two DGW teams. Perfect!
Should be a good game to start. And two DGW teams. Perfect!
Tinkering done. Let the games begin ⚽
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- Red88_Tiger
- eyewondertoo