Good bye, we hardly knew you. Hello, and welcome!

The 2014-15 Barclay's Premier League season has ended. With that, we say good bye to the bottom three teams in the standings. (for those of you who don't follow English football, every season the last three teams in league standings get relegated to a lower tiered league. The top three teams from that league, called The Championship, get promoted to play in the Premier League. Think of that format applied to your favourite sporting league.)

 

Two teams who were promoted this season, were then promptly relegated.

 

At the bottom, Queens Park Rangers (QPR)

8 wins 6 draws 24 losses - 30 pts

 

QPR is in a bit of a bind with FIFA over their 'fair play' mandate about spending within your means.

They spent a LOT of cash to get promoted, and those moves just didn't work in the long haul. Expect a fire sale at Loftus Road over the summer transfer window as they look to get under budget.

 

 Burnley F.C.
7 wins 12 draws 19 losses  - 33pts

Burnley fought bravely, but in the end were overwhelmed by more experienced teams with bigger payrolls. Look for rising stars Danny Ings, Tom Heaton and Scott Arfield to be plucked away by bigger clubs offering Burnley bushels of Euros.

Hull City F.C.
8 wins 11 draws 19 losses

Hull, one of my favourite clubs to watch, fell short of avoiding the drop on the final day. They had to win, combined with a Newcastle loss to stay up. It was not to be as the drew Manchester United at home while Newcastle broke an 11 game losing skid to defeat West Ham.
I'll miss them. but Steve Bruce has what it takes to bring them back.

On a more positive note.... we have added three new clubs. We welcome to the 2015-16 Premier League....

Norwich City F.C.

the Premier League will once again be visiting Carrow Road after a brief hiatus. The Cannaries were relegated after the 2013-14 season, spending one season in the Championship before earning another promotion.

Watford F.C

Watford! Watford! WATFORD!

The Hornets are back after an 8 year absence. I for one, can't wait. And I know that Arsenal may have one fewer fan next season....

Bournemouth AFC won the Championship title on the last day of the season, and come up to the Premier League for the first time in their 117 year existence.
Patience pays off people. Never give up. Don't ever give up.

I for one, cannot wait until the new season kicks off. But before we get to that, we'll have a few months of transfer rumours and dealings to get through.
Have any hopes for you club?

For better or for worse this is the Barclay's Premier League.

So much has been happening so far in the Barclay's Premier League and we're only three games in.

 

Liverpool, using smoke, mirrors, luck, and any other advantage they can, have one three games despite only scoring three goals. All by the same dude. Daniel Sturridge.

West Brom and Sunderland have struggled early on unexpectedly. Not so unexpectedly, Manchester United is off to a slow start. Winning one, drawing one, and most recently, losing one.

 

On the topic of unexpected.... we go to Arsenal, where after an opening loss, fans were calling for the head of manager Arsene Wenger. Who did the unthinkable in the offseason. He didn't spend any money.

Well guess what? Arsenal has now won two in a row and Wenger loosened the purse strings for a whopping signing.

 

We'll get to that in a minute. First, we need to discuss a major blow to the entire BPL.

 

Tottenham's sale of young star Gareth Bale to Real Madrid for a record transfer fee of $132 Million.

 

This is a major coup for Real and for La Liga. (La Liga is the equivalent of the BPL in Spain)

Whenever a major star leaves for another league, it's big news... this is no exception. The BPL is the best football in the world. It has no equal. But that doesn't mean there aren't great teams out there. La Liga has two of these teams in Real Madrid and Barcelona.

While this is in no way comparable to Bobby Hull leaving the NHL for the WHA, it still leaves a gaping hole where once was a rising star.

 

If teams from the BPL continue to lose players f this quality to teams elsewhere in the world... the BPL is in danger of losing it's status as the best.*

 

*while others may argue that Spain's La Liga, Italy's Serie A, or Germany's Bundesliga are on par with the Premier League... it's not about talent or trophies. The BPL plays the game the right way. Watching two of the bottom tier teams in the BPL is far more entertaining than watching them in any other league. And that's my basis. Entertainment value. Style of play. Watchability if you will.

 

About three years ago, I was fortunate enough to pull this from a pack of Premier League stickers.

(well, okay, it was actually a redemption, but it turned into this...)

 

 it opens up into one of those little photo holders kids give away their school pictures in....

Here's a closer look at the prize.

 A nice little momento of the Welsh midfielder.


HOWEVER.

Where there is dark, there is light. And in this case, it comes from, of all places, Arsenal. Who after not spending any money at all, set a club transfer fee record of 67 million to get attacking midfielder Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid. Then promptly signed the 24 year old to a five year deal at $225,000 a week.

 Anyone who saw Ozil play as a 20 year old in the 2010 World Cup knows he is exciting and extremely talented. I wish United had got him.
So while the BPL lost Bale, they gained Ozil, now the most expensive German player ever.

I can't wait to see him play regularly. I know he'll do well. Just hopefully not against United.

Speaking of Manchester United....  they were quiet as well. Only signing one player at the deadline.

The 'fro, has come back, to United. Yes, Marouane Fellaini was transferred to United from Everton for $43 million. This will surely strengthen United's midfield position, but one can't help but notice new manager David Moyes' several failed attempts at acquiring numerous other players.
This is the big dance now David.... better sharpen your pencil and pay a bit more attention.


How did your club do? Any new faces? Lose anyone key?

It's the most, wonderful time, of the year......

Can you believe it??? The Premier League starts tomorrow!!!!! Well, today for most of you.

 

All teams are in action this weekend.

Last season I held a little competition.... not so much this year. Waaaay too much work. Plus I don't have any more footy cards with pretty ladies on them.

Sound off... who's your club and how are they going to do this season???

My club has a new man in charge with the retirement of Sir Alex. It'll be interesting to see the changes and how they play.

Go United!!!

Premier League Contest - Match 38

Welcome to the last (probably) weekend of matches. Match 38. To me, that was one quick season.
Many highlights, some lowlights, but a great season all round.

Today's guest...

Thank you Amanda, you may go now....

Not a lot to play for this weekend. Only one lone spot battle for Champion's League play.

Let's look at the table.

Club	Pld	Pts
Man Utd	37	88
Man City	37	78
Chelsea	37	72
Arsenal	37	70
Tottenham	37	69
Everton	37	63
Liverpool	37	58
West Brom	37	48
Swansea	37	46
West Ham	37	43
Stoke	37	41
Norwich	37	41
Newcastle	37	41
Southampton	37	40
Fulham	37	40
Aston Villa	37	40
Sunderland	37	39
Wigan	37	35
Reading	37	28
QPR	37	25

The battle is between Arsenal and Tottenham. There can be only one. heh... Mathematically, Chelsea could be the one to miss out, but they would have to lose to Everton, while Arsenal wins AND Tottenham beats Sunderland by 17 goals.

I wonder what Vegas is giving on those odds. Even IF you won that bet, you'd never collect. Vincent Savino would have you buried under a cactus somewhere near Area 51.

So the eyes will be on Arsenal/Newcastle and Tottenham/Sunderland.  My bet is that both clubs win and the Spurs just miss out yet again.

In other matches, Sir Alex watches over his last game as Manchester United vist The Hawthorns to play West Bromwich Albion.
Elsewhere we say goodbye to Wigan, Reading, and Queen's Park Rangers.
Next season will see new participants Cardiff City, Hull City, and the winner of the Crystal Palace vs Watford match on the 25th.

All matches are on Sunday, so please post your final results on/by Monday evening.

GO United!

OH! I almost forgot. There could be a tie for the final Champion's League position. Should Chelsea draw with Everton, AND Arsenal win by exactly 2 goals, Chelsea and Arsenal will have to play a playoff game to decide the position sometime this coming week at neutral ground. (Villa Park has been chosen)

Example, if Chelsea and Everton draw 1-1, and Arsenal beats Sunderland 3-1, then we will have a tie because the only tie breaker used is goal differential.
Not likely, but still possible.

Premier League Contest - Match 37

We be awarding the trophy this weekend. Well, not on this contest, that seems to be going down to the wire.
But in the Premier League, Machester United is playing their last home game of the season, so the trophy, medals, etc, will be awarded on the pitch after their game with Swansea. There will also be a tribute to retiring manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.

I know it's the World Cup.... I'm on a deadline here and couldn't find a good one of the league trophy.

I'm sure you'll forgive me. Most of you probably wouldn't have noticed. Trophy? What trophy?Where?

Anyways.

Let's check the table and see how the qualifications for Champions League is going, as well as Wigan trying to avoid the drop.

Club	Pld	Pts
Man Utd	36	85
Man City	36	75
Chelsea	36	69
Arsenal	36	67
Tottenham	36	66
Everton	36	60
Liverpool	36	55
West Brom	36	48
Swansea	36	46
West Ham	36	43
Stoke	36	41
Fulham	36	40
Aston Villa	36	40
Southampton	36	39
Sunderland	36	38
Norwich	36	38
Newcastle	36	38
Wigan	36	35
Reading	36	28
QPR	36	25

City in purple is confirmed for Champions League.
Light blue is the fight. Three clubs for two spots. However all these clubs are locked in for Europa League.
Dark blue, well, there's always next season.
Yellow, don't relax, one slip and it's the drop for you.
Red, forget it, you're dead.

Games are Saturday, Sunday, and Tuesday. So please post your comment by Wednesday lunch at the latest.

Go United!

Premier League Contest - Match 36

Welcome to Match 36!

We've got some great matchups this weekend. So let's take a peek.

 Many different colours on our table today....

Green - we know for sure United has won the Championship.
Light blue - teams battling for Champions League play next season. Only the top four clubs qualify.
Blue - clubs with nothing left to play for but pride
Yellow - Danger zone of getting dropped. But any type of result should see them through.
Orange - Chances are, one of these clubs will be relegated.
Red - it's too late. Turn out the lights. The party's over. Oprah is singing.

Club	Pld	Pts
Man Utd	35	85
Man City	34	71
Chelsea	34	65
Arsenal	35	64
Tottenham	34	62
Everton	35	59
Liverpool	35	54
West Brom	34	48
Swansea	34	42
West Ham	35	42
Fulham	35	40
Stoke	35	40
Southampton	35	39
Norwich	35	38
Sunderland	35	37
Aston Villa	35	37
Newcastle	35	37
Wigan	34	32
QPR	35	25
Reading	35	25

we have some cool matchups this weekend, including Norwich and Aston Villa in a battle to avoid the drop. I think Villa will upset the Canaries.

Matches are throughout the weekend, so please post by Tuesday afternoon.

Go United! 2012-13 Champions!

Premier League Contest - Match 35

Welcome to Match 35. As far as the Premier League is concerned, Oprah has sung, the party's over, Manchester United has earned the championship trophy with over a month still to play.

As far as we're concerned, the race is still on.

Being late in the year, I've assembled an All Star squad to help us get through the last few matches.

Pick your favourite, and let's get going.

Just to make it official...

Club	Pld	Pts
Man Utd	34	84
Man City	33	68
Arsenal	34	63
Chelsea	33	62
Tottenham	33	61
Everton	34	56
Liverpool	34	51
West Brom	33	45
Swansea	33	42
West Ham	34	42
Fulham	34	40
Southampton	34	39
Norwich	34	38
Sunderland	34	37
Stoke	34	37
Newcastle	34	37
Aston Villa	34	34
Wigan	33	31
QPR	34	24
Reading	34	24

I've highlighted the teams in blue that are in the race for Champions League status... as you know, top four clubs make it... with them as well as the fifth place finisher also eligible for Europa League play.

All of that means more $$$ in the coffers.

At the bottom of the table, QPR and Reading face off, with the loser being confirmed to relegation. If Aston Villa beats Sunderland, both QPR and Reading are in the drop regardless.
Wigan is in tough hosting Tottenham.

That Villa match is on Monday, so let's get your comments in by Tuesday afternoonish.

Go United! 2013 Premier League Champions!

Premier League contest - Match 34

welcome to Match 34, the mid afternoon edition. Most of the matches for today are over, but there's still more fun tomorrow and monday.

Looking at the table, which I believe to be accurate up to the minute, we see the bottom three all losing today.

Club	Pld	Pts
Man Utd	33	81
Man City	32	68
Arsenal	34	63
Chelsea	32	61
Tottenham	32	58
Everton	34	56
Liverpool	33	50
West Brom	33	45
Swansea	33	42
West Ham	34	42
Fulham	34	40
Southampton	34	39
Norwich	34	38
Sunderland	34	37
Stoke	34	37
Newcastle	34	37
Aston Villa	33	34
Wigan	33	31
QPR	34	24
Reading	34	24

Sunderland scored a huge home win today over Everton, surly securing a spot in next season's Premier league. Unless Newcastle, Stoke, or Villa fall.... we'll say goodbye to Wigan.
These next few matches are going to be exciting!

At the top end, the fat lady is warming up as United look to secure the title before the last month of the season even gets here.

Premier League contest - Week 32... and/or 33...

Welcome to Match 32... or is that 33? Or both? We've got matches spread out over a few days this time.... Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Some clubs play twice, others, not at all.

Hey. I don't make the schedule.

 

So since it's my birthday Saturday, I won't be around much.... meaning let's use this post for all matches the 13th through the 17th. We'll have a new post next Saturday for that weekend's fixtures. Please get your comments in by Thursday evening.

Looking at the table, we say goodbye to Tottenham, while Arsenal hangs on by the slightest fingernail. Any type of result by United or if the Gunners don't win will result in their elimination.
Chelsea can also be eliminated this weekend if they lose OR United wins.

Club	Pld	Pts
Man Utd	31	77
Man City	31	65
Chelsea	31	58
Tottenham	32	58
Arsenal	31	56
Everton	31	52
Liverpool	32	49
West Brom	32	44
Swansea	32	41
Fulham	31	39
Southampton	32	37
West Ham	31	37
Newcastle	32	36
Norwich	32	35
Stoke	32	34
Aston Villa	32	33
Sunderland	32	31
Wigan	31	31
QPR	32	24
Reading	32	23

At the bottom, Wigan has a match in hand, while it looks curtains for QPR and Reading.
Should be some great matches.

Go United!

Premier League Contest - Match 31

Welcome to Match 31... only 8 matches left for some, 7 for the rest. Can City catch United? Who can avoid the drop?

Let's take a quick look at the table....

Club	Pld	Pts
Man Utd	30	77
Man City	30	62
Tottenham	31	57
Chelsea	30	55
Arsenal	30	53
Everton	30	51
Liverpool	31	48
West Brom	31	44
Swansea	31	40
Fulham	30	39
West Ham	30	36
Southampton	31	34
Stoke	31	34
Norwich	31	34
Newcastle	31	33
Sunderland	31	31
Wigan	30	30
Aston Villa	31	30
QPR	31	23
Reading	31	23

with this weekend's matches, a win by United will eliminate Tottenham, Chelsea, and Arsenal. The best the Gunners can hope for is a tie for the title, but goal differential will probably doom them anyways.
A draw from United will also knock out Arsenal, and hold Tottenham to a possible tie.

But the match of the week I feel, is QPR hosting Wigan. Here is where the drama lies. QPR and Reading are most certainly relegated, but the battle will be for that third spot. Only 4 points seperate 7 teams. At stake are millions and millions of dollars.

Let's see who wants it.

United and City play on Monday, with rumours that United will rest players. (Sir Alex would do just that to antagonize Mancini)... so get your comments in by Tuesday lunch please.

Go United!

Premier League contest - Match 30

Welcome to Easter weekend and match 30 of 38.

After a week off in the Premier League in which we saw most of the players compete for their home countries in World Cup qualifying, we get right back to it.
During the last round of matches, we saw Liverpool and West Brom eliminated from championship contention.

Club	Pld	Pts
Man Utd	29	74
Man City	29	59
Chelsea	29	55
Tottenham	30	54
Arsenal	29	50
Everton	29	48
Liverpool	30	45
West Brom	30	44
Swansea	30	40
Fulham	29	36
Stoke	30	34
Norwich	30	34
Newcastle	30	33
West Ham	29	33
Sunderland	30	31
Southampton	30	31
Aston Villa	30	30
Wigan	29	27
Reading	30	23
QPR	30	23

With a win or draw at Sunderland, United will knock off surprising Everton. A win combined with an Arsenal draw or loss and the Gunners are done. A drw or loss also eliminates Tottenham.

At the bottom of the Table, the bottom six all play superior opponents, so they'll all be looking for the upset in order to try and stay top flight.

Reading named their new manager this week. Nigel Adkins, the former Southampton boss, takes over this week. Good luck Nigel, you've got quite the task in front of you. No pressure.

Go United!

Premier League Contest - Match 29

Getting down to the grit. Only 10 matches left for most, for some clubs, only nine. We'll get into more of that at the bottom.

Welcome to Match 29.

Manchester United managed to eliminate another club last week, as Swansea, despite winning their match, was mathematically eliminated. If United beats Reading, West Bromwich and Liverpool are out. If United win, and Everton lose or draw, they are out as well.

Club	Pld	Pts
Man Utd	28	71
Man City	28	59
Tottenham	29	54
Chelsea	28	52
Arsenal	28	47
Liverpool	29	45
Everton	28	45
West Brom	29	43
Swansea	29	40
Fulham	28	33
Stoke	29	33
West Ham	28	33
Newcastle	29	33
Norwich	29	33
Sunderland	29	30
Southampton	29	28
Aston Villa	29	27
Wigan	28	24
Reading	29	23
QPR	29	23

Speaking of Liverpool, it was brought to my attention that not everyone had last weekend off for FA Cup action. Okay, I'm an idiot. Thanks for the email Richard....

A partial schedule was played, with 6 matches.

IF your team played last weekend, you may make a seperate post on this weekends action for that result.
Please make it seperate and put the date on there somewhere so when I tabulate points, I know why I'm counting your team twice.

Enjoy the full slate of games this weekend, and let's have your results posted by late Monday afternoon.

and as always, Go United!!!

Premier League Contest - Match 28

Pay attention! It's Match 28 of 38.

It seems that the Table is starting to take shape. The top is seperating themselves, while the bottom feeders are struggling to stay out of relegation.

Manchester United eliminated two more teams this past weekend.

Club	Pld	Pts
Man Utd	27	68
Man City	27	56
Tottenham	27	51
Chelsea	27	49
Arsenal	27	47
Everton	27	42
West Brom	27	40
Liverpool	27	39
Swansea	27	37
Stoke	27	33
Fulham	27	32
Norwich	27	32
Newcastle	27	30
West Ham	27	30
Sunderland	27	29
Southampton	27	27
Wigan	27	24
Aston Villa	27	24
Reading	27	23
QPR	27	17

They have the opportunity to eliminate three more teams if everything falls correctly. Although I don't think Liverpool is going down quite that easily...

Matches this week fall on Sat, Sun, and Monday... so get your updates in by Tuesday lunch.

Go United!