The Premier League makes its long-awaited comeback as Manchester United host Fulham, as Mauricio Pochettino closes in on the USMNT head coach job.
EPL MEANS PREDICTION TIME
A couple of quick observations for Superbru players as the EPL starts. Don’t neglect the 1-0 draw. Over the history of the EPL that has been the most common scoreline, followed by 2-1 and 1-1. After that, it’s 2-0 and then 0-0.
However, last year, a record number of goals were banged. The good news? The trend in terms of more or less than 2.5 goals per game, which is a good way to bet as a slow-burner profit maker, sets in early. There are an average of 3 to 4 away wins per round of 10, which means don’t get carried away if you see a round where there looks to be an “easy six away wins”
SALAH SET FOR RISE UP THE LADDER
There is only one player involved in the 2024/25 season who is in the all-time top 10 of top-flight goal scorers. No prizes for guessing that it’s Liverpool’s Mo Salah, who is currently sitting at No10. He will move up that list this season. But how far up? Definitely to No8 but possibly No6. Salah starts with 157 goals.
He needs six to get past Jermaine Defoe (162), and seven to overtake Robbie Fowler (163), while Thierry Henry finished on 173 and Frank Lampard on 175. That means Salah would need 21 League goals for Liverpool this campaign. Last season he netted 18 times.
STATS THAT AFFECT YOUR CLUB
If you’re a stats nerd then the EPL will get you going down so many rabbit holes you’ll struggle to find your way back to the surface. Without digging too deep though, there are two stats worth keeping an eye on this EPL season. In terms of team goals scored over the seasons, Man United lead with 2300.
That won’t be challenged in 2024/25 but it could change behind them. Arsenal currently leads Liverpool by 14 goals in that department at Nos2 and 3. Another position that could reverse is for most club losses. Everton currently hold that unwanted title with 448, followed by West Ham with 442. In terms of goals conceded, there could also be a change at Nos2 and and 3. Everton have conceded 1589 over the seasons, with Spurs next with 1562 and West Ham 1558.
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐭 ️⚽️
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) August 15, 2024
Can anyone stop Erling Haaland from winning the Premier League Golden Boot award for a third season running?
We look at the other contenders, plus some outside shots for the top scorer accolade in 2024-25.
POCH IN THE LAND OF MILK AND HONEY (AND MONEY)
Former Tottenham and Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has been appointed the new USA national men’s coach. This underlines that football management might seem like a cruel gig, but in fact it’s one of the best merry-go-rounds to be on.
The adage of “you get hired to get fired” rings more true than probably any other profession. But do you think the managers really care? Pochettino becomes the USA only 86 days after leaving Chelsea, where he was paid a £10m compensation fee for agreeing to a “mutual separation”. Meanwhile, betting will be open to see who wins the annual EPL “managerial “Sack Race”.
IN THEY COME, OUT THEY GO AT CHELSEA
OK, so I actually have no idea how this works. I am a die-hard Chelsea fan but even I am starting to wear a jacket over my jersey in public. Another 12 players, that we know of, have been signed by Todd Boehly between seasons, with reports suggesting another one or two might be on their way.
That would take their squad to nearly 50 players, I think. Apparently, to “balance the books”, Chelsea need to sell players to recoup £200m before the end of August to avoid points penalties, as happened to Everton and Nottingham Forest last season. Conor Gallagher, a homegrown player, is being offloaded for some £33m, which would count as pure profit. But it also highlights the opinion that if you want loyalty, you buy a dog.
RELOOK AT THE WAY VAR IS IMPLEMENTED
It seems that this season the EPL is venturing into rugby and cricket territory with their use of VAR. Apparently, there will be a “referee’s call” which will mean that the ref’s decision stands unless there is a clean and obvious error.
One of the big changes, which should also be applied to rugby, is that when the referee looks at the review on the monitor, they will see it in full speed and not slowed down, which always heightens the transgression and the severity of the incident.
