The 2015-2016 EPL Discussion Thread

[Brahvocado]

Re: The 2015-2016 EPL Discussion Thread

To be fair guys, there hasn't been a team in the PL era that failed to make top 4 with Leicester's current point total.

There's a lot of uncertainty with the top 6 teams right now, I don't really see why Leicester can't make top 4 at this point. Liverpool almost won the league with the same type of system and same type of model.

[fearwhatnow]

Re: The 2015-2016 EPL Discussion Thread

I keep going back to the Arsenal game when discussing Leicester's defensive issues, and that is if they're up against a talented and in-form attack, they're going to give up goals.

Everton and Liverpool are far more likely to win against Leicester than Chelsea currently are, and they're far more likely to score goals.

Leicester are top of the table, and have given up 22 goals—you have to go down to 14th in the table (Bournemouth) to find a team who has given up more goals at this point.

It'll inevitably cost them more and more points, especially in their upcoming games. For the record, I want to see Leicester as close to the top as possible (but not first), but I'm still not convinced they won't come crashing back to reality due to their inability to defend while also scoring.

I'm really looking forward to the Liverpool match, though. Should be quite entertaining.

I agree that the team has defending problems (especially in set pieces) but I can't see the difference in that matter to teams like Everton and Liverpool. Everton has conceded 1 goal less... Liverpool 3 goals less than Leicester and their defending in set pieces is equally bad. Their GK is also considered inadequate. Why do you think these 2 teams will score at will against Leicester and they won't concede the 1st goal of the match and be in danger of a defeat (eg 0-3) as Leicester multiple times has proved that they're lethal away of home?
What I'm saying is that while you sound logical you keep underestimating Leicester. Wasn't it almost 2+weeks ago that you posted "Leicester will drop points in their upcoming games" (starting against ManU)? This is what happened: D-W-W. Yes eventually ofc they'll lose consecutive matches. But now they're clear +11 from 5th place...

[Krebstar]

Re: The 2015-2016 EPL Discussion Thread

To be fair guys, there hasn't been a team in the PL era that failed to make top 4 with Leicester's current point total.

There's a lot of uncertainty with the top 6 teams right now, I don't really see why Leicester can't make top 4 at this point. Liverpool almost won the league with the same type of system and same type of model.

I think that team had more depth, which allowed them to keep it up for longer than Leicester might be able to. But it's still a very good point and comparison.

I agree that the team has defending problems (especially in set pieces) but I can't see the difference in that matter to teams like Everton and Liverpool. Everton has conceded 1 goal less... Liverpool 3 goals less than Leicester and their defending in set pieces is equally bad. Their GK is also considered inadequate. Why do you think these 2 teams will score at will against Leicester and they won't concede the 1st goal of the match and be in danger of a defeat (eg 0-3) as Leicester multiple times has proved that they're lethal away of home?
What I'm saying is that while you sound logical you keep underestimating Leicester. Wasn't it almost 2+weeks ago that you posted "Leicester will drop points in their upcoming games" (starting against ManU)? This is what happened: D-W-W. Yes eventually ofc they'll lose consecutive matches. But now they're clear +11 from 5th place...

I did say they'd drop points in their upcoming run which started against United, and they dropped points in that match. That run isn't over yet, though, and Swansea was never going to be a tough match for them. They of course handled Chelsea, though.

They have Liverpool, and then three days later they have Man City. That's not easy for any team in the league.

I'm openly aware I'm still doubting them, as I still don't think their form will last, whether it be to injuries, or their defensive issues catching up with them. And I don't want Leicester to fall into the middle of the table, as what they're doing is great for the league.

However, I'm not going to just ignore logic and my fear of what will happen and be suddenly surprised when their faults start to cost them points. If it doesn't and they keep the run going, I'll gladly admit my instincts were wrong.

Until then, I shall keep on doubting, as stubborn as it might be.

[Brahvocado]

Re: The 2015-2016 EPL Discussion Thread

Also need to remember that Leicester don't have to beat Liverpool or City. SAF would regularly win the title while having a sub-standard record vs top 6 teams. You don't have to beat the top teams to finish in the top 4, you just have to beat everybody else.

[Krebstar]

Re: The 2015-2016 EPL Discussion Thread

You don't have to beat the top teams to finish in the top 4, you just have to beat everybody else.

Oh, Arsenal supporters know this very well.

[Perceptor]

Re: The 2015-2016 EPL Discussion Thread

I almost feeling like starting a FM save as Leicester to see if I can replicate their form . A compliment that they're doing so well.

[jasontoddwhitt]

Re: The 2015-2016 EPL Discussion Thread

Jose....gives Leicester a little credit, then proceeds to blame their ball boys....k.

Can Leicester keep this up? Do they potentially make some signings and go after a Top 4 spot, then take that PL and CL money to shore up the depth next season. Only drawback is if Mahrez or Vardy get injured and you miss out on Champions League.

Or, do they cash in on Mahrez and Vardy now?

Everton, Liverpool, and Man City next...if they manage to grab six points or more from those fixtures, then you go for broke in my opinion.

[Suntan Superman]

Re: The 2015-2016 EPL Discussion Thread

I think it depends on the offers that come in. Silly season is a real thing, and they've all but secured staying up this year, if someone comes in with a reasonable offer for either I don't see a way that Leicester is hanging on to them.

[ImTellinTim]

Re: The 2015-2016 EPL Discussion Thread

I don't see any reason for them to listen to offers unless they're stupidly high bids. This isn't the EPL of even 5 years ago with all the TV money they bring in. Leicester hanging on to their best players is what the new norm should be. I would be very disappointed if I were a Leicester supporter and they sold them the first time someone bids just because their value is high. They aren't Southampton with this amazing stable of young players they've developed that will just step in.

[fearwhatnow]

Re: The 2015-2016 EPL Discussion Thread

I don't see any reason for them to listen to offers unless they're stupidly high bids. This isn't the EPL of even 5 years ago with all the TV money they bring in. Leicester hanging on to their best players is what the new norm should be. I would be very disappointed if I were a Leicester supporter and they sold them the first time someone bids just because their value is high. They aren't Southampton with this amazing stable of young players they've developed that will just step in.

The board has already been clear: No player leaves this transfer window. Also the chairman is a millionaire and wants the team on top. He didn't bring in Ranieri with a good/expensive contract just to secure a the Premier League place.
In addition many forget that the team has been on top form not for 16 games but for 25 PL games now. The last season amazing comeback was the beginning. Vardy and Mahrez were magical the last 10 games of the 2014-15 season and no team approached them or Leicester the past summer.

[Suntan Superman]

Re: The 2015-2016 EPL Discussion Thread

I don't see any reason for them to listen to offers unless they're stupidly high bids. This isn't the EPL of even 5 years ago with all the TV money they bring in. Leicester hanging on to their best players is what the new norm should be. I would be very disappointed if I were a Leicester supporter and they sold them the first time someone bids just because their value is high. They aren't Southampton with this amazing stable of young players they've developed that will just step in.

Well there's a reason I mentioned silly season, I would expect a report of at least one ludicrous bid from someone.

[Brahvocado]

Re: The 2015-2016 EPL Discussion Thread

Jose....gives Leicester a little credit, then proceeds to blame their ball boys....k.

“They [Leicester] fought with everything, they defended with everything, and the ball boys were amazing too,” Mourinho said. “I say the point about the ball boys because it’s a disgrace for the Premier League, but I want to make it clear I don’t want that story to be in front of a result Leicester deserved.”

[jb12780]

Re: The 2015-2016 EPL Discussion Thread

Week 17 Fixtures:



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[~LiverpoolRed~]

Re: The 2015-2016 EPL Discussion Thread

Huge "6 Pointer" at St. James' Park. You could also say they same at Stamford Bridge. 2 massive games at the foot of the table.

[fearwhatnow]

Re: The 2015-2016 EPL Discussion Thread

Huge "6 Pointer" at St. James' Park. You could also say they same at Stamford Bridge. 2 massive games at the foot of the table.

Absolutely. My prediction: Aston Villa wins easily. Idk about the Chelsea Vs Sunderland game. I don't think Chelsea will have problems but they need to replace Costa asap. It will be good for the team to have more calm players in the first eleven. Bring on some youth now in play. It's a great opportunity for Chelsea. They don't have a relegation battle, it's time to invest for next season. The big names have CL games to focus on.
Liverpool will lose and I will be surprised if they'll manage to come back with a draw. Watford are superb in set pieces.
Everton will be...Everton. They'll try to attack in numbers as always. They did it also last season against Leicester and they failed. Big trouble awaits them.
Stoke City Vs Crystal Place is a great one too.
And ofc ManCity vs Arsenal. That's a 0-3.