Premier League

[chaddyrovers]

1 hour ago, speeeeeeedie said:

I was watching Man U-Arsenal yesterday and the commentator said that Liverpool have only 3 more points now than they did at this stage last season. Arsenal's gap is now a whopping 15 points with a game in hand. The title will be sewn up before Easter if the status quo is maintained.

The game itself was underwhelming. Man U spent over £100m on two number 9's in Hojlund and Zirkzee who managed to make toothless Arsenal look better equipped. Zirkzee plays scared and Hojlund has the first touch of a trampoline.

Zirkzee is a number 10 not a number 9. 

1 hour ago, speeeeeeedie said:

Slot has done remarkably well but he could be in for a rude awakening next season if any or all of the 3 out of contract players opt to leave. Bradley looks like he can replace TAA, but it's nigh on impossible to replicate Salah and van Dijk's contributions.

Liverpool would have planned for all 3 to leave and I think Salah and Van Dijk will stay but TAA is going. I think we know who they will sign his replacement. 

Slot has done a great job cos he has changed bits and on Saturday, he made 3 changes at half time. 

1 hour ago, speeeeeeedie said:

Relegation is all but sorted too. All 3 promoted teams were odds on for the drop before a ball was kicked. Southampton were saddled with Russell Martin. Leicester lost their manager and best player to Chelsea. 2 promotions in 2 years was a bridge too far for a hardworking yet limited Ipswich side.

The 2023-24 season was very similar with all 3 promoted teams ill-equipped to avoid relegation. Burnley decided to try to make money by buying project players with a sellable upside rather than trying to stay up. Sheff Utd sold or had to return the good players who got them promoted, and Luton tried their hardest but, like Ipswich, it was too soon for them to build any foundations.

Southampton managerial change was pointless, Juric will be gone in the summer. Rohl will probably come in. Given how things are going at Sheffield Wednesday and his problems with the owner. 

Leicester don't look the same team as last season. I wouldn't be surprised if Ruud stays and actually build his own team. They didn't sign enough players in January and worried about the PSR rules. 

Ipswich, Probably the season favourites and will keep most players