The 2013-14 EPL Discussion Thread

[jb12780]

Who wants to discuss the elephant in the room? Will Manchester United remain dominant without SAF? Personally I don't think so, I think Ferguson was even better than people realize(and that's saying something) and its going to be obvious right away. Without SAF's presence Manchester United becomes just another big club in England IMO. And for those of you who think it's impossible, look at my club.....

Going to be an interesting season. Anyone of City, United, or Chelsea could win the title.

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[jasontoddwhitt]

Re: The 2013-14 EPL Discussion Thread

I'm not sure if it's really Papiss Cisse's religious beliefs (his other Muslim teammates don't have a problem) or if he just wanted an excuse to get out of Newcastle.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23347131

Papiss Cisse has pulled out of Newcastle's pre-season tour to Portugal after refusing to wear club sponsor Wonga's logo on religious grounds.

The Senegal striker, a Muslim, told club officials he was not prepared to promote the money-lending company.

But the 28-year-old did offer to wear an unbranded shirt or one bearing a charity logo instead.

It leaves Cisse's future in doubt, with sources describing the relationship between the parties as "strained".

The Newcastle forward and his representatives have been in talks with club officials and the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) in recent days but neither the club nor their shirt sponsor have been able to find a solution.

Cisse's Newcastle team-mates Cheick Tiote and Moussa Sissoko are also Muslim, but have told the club they have no issue with wearing the sponsor's logo.

Cisse will continue to train on his own as he attempts to catch up on his fitness after returning later than the majority of the squad following international duty with Senegal.
Both camps are hopeful that a solution can be found, but it seems Cisse is not prepared to move on his position.

In October, high-interest pay-day lender Wonga was announced as the company to take over from Virgin Money as Newcastle's shirt sponsor from the 2013-14 season. It is thought the contract is worth around £8m a year to the club.

Speaking in June, PFA deputy chief executive Bobby Barnes told BBC Sport: "We're all aware that clubs need to generate revenue and sometimes have to use a wide range of companies.

"However, if someone feels very, very strongly that it's not compatible with their beliefs, then some sort of solution should be found."

Cisse joined the Magpies in January 2012 and has scored 26 times in all competitions.

[orion523]

Re: The 2013-14 EPL Discussion Thread

Going to be an interesting season. Anyone of City, United, or Chelsea could win the title.

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I think you're selling Spurs a little short which is understandable considering your allegiance, I absolutely consider them a threat. Arsenal and maybe even Liverpool depending on how the Suarez thing shakes out also have outside shots. I'm really looking forward to the season. Right now I'm getting ready to watch Zenit take on Krasnodar on BeIn, pretty pumped they got the Russian League contract but I digress.

[jb12780]

I think you're selling Spurs a little short which is understandable considering your allegiance, I absolutely consider them a threat. Arsenal and maybe even Liverpool depending on how the Suarez thing shakes out also have outside shots. I'm really looking forward to the season. Right now I'm getting ready to watch Zenit take on Krasnodar on BeIn, pretty pumped they got the Russian League contract but I digress.

Fair point. I see Everton dropping off a bit, so the top 6 will be great stuff to watch.

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[Brahvocado]

Re: The 2013-14 EPL Discussion Thread

With all the uncertainty surrounding the top clubs I think there is a legitimate chance of a 3+ horse race for the title.

Spurs will challenge if they pick up an actual striker and Liverpool could be a potential nuisance if they can get the Suarez situation sorted properly.

Also one of my best friends is a United supporter and we both agreed that City is setting up to be kind of scary this season, if they pick up Jovetic ohhhhh boy.

[orion523]

Re: The 2013-14 EPL Discussion Thread

All of this I guess speaks to my original point which is without SAF, Manchester United suddenly seem vulnerable. Whether or not its valid or just wishful thinking we'll see LOL.

[Bellsprout]

Re: The 2013-14 EPL Discussion Thread

Don't know why you guys are all sleeping on Fulham...

I mean, if this league was won with mustaches we'd run away with it.

[Leon]

Re: The 2013-14 EPL Discussion Thread

Don't know why you guys are all sleeping on Fulham...

I mean, if this league was won with mustaches we'd run away with it.

Everyone else wouldn't even try. Add Champions League and World Cup too, because that stache knows no bounds.

[Brahvocado]

Re: The 2013-14 EPL Discussion Thread

Imagine The Berba, sensually caressing the ball into the open and inviting net, his glorious new mustache radiating with power in the sunlight.

[Anners]

Re: The 2013-14 EPL Discussion Thread

I'm not sure if it's really Papiss Cisse's religious beliefs (his other Muslim teammates don't have a problem) or if he just wanted an excuse to get out of Newcastle.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23347131

Cisse didn't have a problem with any of the other companies sponsoring Newcastle, surely is an excuse to leave.

Don't know why you guys are all sleeping on Fulham...

I mean, if this league was won with mustaches we'd run away with it.

The shirt presentation between Khan and Al Fayed with Al Fayed sporting a fake mustache was so cringeworthy.

[Mo]

Re: The 2013-14 EPL Discussion Thread

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

NBCSN Showing Premier League Coverage now( as it right now Premier League World)

[Leon]

Re: The 2013-14 EPL Discussion Thread



Surprised to see Madrid in the top 3.

[jvalverde88]

Don't know why you guys are all sleeping on Fulham...

I mean, if this league was won with mustaches we'd run away with it.

I can't wait to see Blaine Gabbert in the midfield.

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

NBCSN Showing Premier League Coverage now( as it right now Premier League World)

I remember NBCSN showing Premier League World literally days after the season ended.

[Anners]

Re: The 2013-14 EPL Discussion Thread

Surprised to see Madrid in the top 3.

Would be interested to see how much would change if it was developing your own players. What I mean is that if you took Arsenal as an example, a lot of their players have been brought in from abroad as youngsters.

Would be hard to put a boundary though. For example, would Theo Walcott be classed as Arsenal developed (which he is on this list) or Southampton developed?

[Leon]

Re: The 2013-14 EPL Discussion Thread

Would be interested to see how much would change if it was developing your own players. What I mean is that if you took Arsenal as an example, a lot of their players have been brought in from abroad as youngsters.

Would be hard to put a boundary though. For example, would Theo Walcott be classed as Arsenal developed (which he is on this list) or Southampton developed?

I'd say if you spent the vast majority of your teens as part of Club X, then you were developed by Club X.