Hey all. My uncle just passed away, so there isn’t gonna be a Tuesday newsletter this week or a podcast. There will still be a Friday edition previewing the 18-19 season, and regularly scheduled programming should resume next week. But I’ve got an hour of free time today, so come back here at 11 AM EST, and we’ll do a live chat about all things Premier League. As my uncle used to say: “You’re just … typing all day? Real hard work, huh?”
OK, guys! Thanks for all the kind words, and thanks for all the great questions. I've gotta run. Sorry I don't have more for you the week before the Premier League kicks off -- I certainly had more planned -- but life happens sometimes. I'll see premium subscribers on Friday, and I'll see everyone else next week. Have great weeks, and enjoy the first weekend of games!
Is Arsenal just setting themselves up for ridiculous failure this season if they do not address their defense? Seems they can't count on Leno having a great shot stopping season again and all they've done is shore up their already lethal attack.
So I was listening to a Theo Epstein interview and he discussed how after using moneyball concepts with both the BoSox and Cubs to win World Series, he's constantly thinking of other ways to keep changing his approach to stay ahead of other GMs. And just like all industries, it seemed like baseball was a pendulum and it had swung all the way to the Analytics side and was ignoring the human element.
I was happy to see Man Utd give up Dybala, a player who would fit into their system but was so obviously not into joining the project and would end up being another Di Maria or Sanchez.
Do you know much about how much this is taken into account in the transfer process at other clubs? As 'da xG gawd' do you think analytics is sometimes taken account too much or not enough in the European leagues?
If you were Tottenham, would you sell Eriksen now in order to avoid potentially losing him on a free transfer next year, knowing that even with him, they are probably looking at a No. 3 finish at best? Let's assume for the sake of argument that Spurs would use the Eriksen money to sign someone like Giovani Lo Celso
Bonus question - how worried should Spurs fans be at Tottenham's right back situation right now?
sorry for your loss - what are your thoughts on Aston Villa's transfer strategy. Not a big fan. They spent a lot, a la Fulham last year, but are they players that can keep them up?
What would it take for all the major (let's say top 5) leagues to share the same transfer deadlines?
Is that likely to ever happen? I'm a fan of the new timing for the PL that has all the signings IN before day 1, but it's odd knowing there's still a chance players could leave. I'm not sure where other leagues stand on the issue or why.
Outside of players on teams in the top 6, who do you think scores the most prem goals this season?I may have a regrettable amount of money riding on it
What's more in the realm of reality: Man city facing any FFP repercussions, or Coutinho moving from Barcelona during either this window or January one?
Leicester have (surprisingly old) Jamie Vardy, some of the best young midfielders in the Prem, and a coach who has finished in 2nd before. Can they crack top 6?
With Hazard's departure, Lampard's arrival, the transfer ban, a possible youth-heavy team... is this a year for Chelsea to finish out of Europe and closer to mid-table? Or are they such a big club with so much money and enough talent that a Europa League place is almost guaranteed no matter what? Should Chelsea fans look at this as a "rebuilding year" and just enjoy Pulisic/Lampard/youth/etc.?
does united’s infatuation with acquiring a #10 make any sense to you? wouldn’t they be better off attempting to replicate liverpool’s attack with a front three and then the fb’s firing short crosses and low balls and letting pogba play freely with two of fred/mctominay/matic “mop” up behind?
Leicester City sold a lot of quality players for top-dollar transfer fees the past few seasons. Is that the model for smaller clubs to stay relevant in the EPL? And what are the chances that Leicester ever makes it back to the top 4?
With the underlying numbers suggesting that the one point gap at the end of the season was flattering to Liverpool do you see any significant changes from either squad that will prevent the inevitable City three peat?
Are Wolves or Everton good enough to jump into the Top 6? Who is most likely to drop out? Chelsea seem the most likely candidate for me - no obvious replacement for Hazard's consistent 15+ goal seasons and Tammy Abraham is wildly inconsistent. If he is the choice to lead the line for this upcoming season.
Sorry for your loss Ryan.
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family in this hard time.
Sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and yours.
Sorry for you and your family's loss, Ryan. Thanks for all your work.
My condolences man
Sorry for your loss Ryan.
Sorry for your loss as well, RIP Uncle O'Hanlon.
OK, guys! Thanks for all the kind words, and thanks for all the great questions. I've gotta run. Sorry I don't have more for you the week before the Premier League kicks off -- I certainly had more planned -- but life happens sometimes. I'll see premium subscribers on Friday, and I'll see everyone else next week. Have great weeks, and enjoy the first weekend of games!
All right -- let's get started! Send me your Qs!
Is Arsenal just setting themselves up for ridiculous failure this season if they do not address their defense? Seems they can't count on Leno having a great shot stopping season again and all they've done is shore up their already lethal attack.
i know this is a premier league chat....but how the hell is Juve going to play all those players?
1. I'm sorry for your loss
2. Will you please be the one person to tell me Newcastle won't be relegated?
Sorry for your loss, Ryan.
So I was listening to a Theo Epstein interview and he discussed how after using moneyball concepts with both the BoSox and Cubs to win World Series, he's constantly thinking of other ways to keep changing his approach to stay ahead of other GMs. And just like all industries, it seemed like baseball was a pendulum and it had swung all the way to the Analytics side and was ignoring the human element.
I was happy to see Man Utd give up Dybala, a player who would fit into their system but was so obviously not into joining the project and would end up being another Di Maria or Sanchez.
Do you know much about how much this is taken into account in the transfer process at other clubs? As 'da xG gawd' do you think analytics is sometimes taken account too much or not enough in the European leagues?
Prediction for relegated teams and promoted teams from the Championship this year?
What team do you expect to surprise us in 2019?
If you were Tottenham, would you sell Eriksen now in order to avoid potentially losing him on a free transfer next year, knowing that even with him, they are probably looking at a No. 3 finish at best? Let's assume for the sake of argument that Spurs would use the Eriksen money to sign someone like Giovani Lo Celso
Bonus question - how worried should Spurs fans be at Tottenham's right back situation right now?
sorry for your loss - what are your thoughts on Aston Villa's transfer strategy. Not a big fan. They spent a lot, a la Fulham last year, but are they players that can keep them up?
Sorry to hear about your uncle.
What would it take for all the major (let's say top 5) leagues to share the same transfer deadlines?
Is that likely to ever happen? I'm a fan of the new timing for the PL that has all the signings IN before day 1, but it's odd knowing there's still a chance players could leave. I'm not sure where other leagues stand on the issue or why.
Outside of players on teams in the top 6, who do you think scores the most prem goals this season?I may have a regrettable amount of money riding on it
Who do you think wins POTY this season? My money’s on Bernardo Silva.
What's your Top 6 prediction?
What's more in the realm of reality: Man city facing any FFP repercussions, or Coutinho moving from Barcelona during either this window or January one?
All things being held equal, would you take Klopp or Guardiola (or someone else)?
Leicester have (surprisingly old) Jamie Vardy, some of the best young midfielders in the Prem, and a coach who has finished in 2nd before. Can they crack top 6?
With Hazard's departure, Lampard's arrival, the transfer ban, a possible youth-heavy team... is this a year for Chelsea to finish out of Europe and closer to mid-table? Or are they such a big club with so much money and enough talent that a Europa League place is almost guaranteed no matter what? Should Chelsea fans look at this as a "rebuilding year" and just enjoy Pulisic/Lampard/youth/etc.?
does united’s infatuation with acquiring a #10 make any sense to you? wouldn’t they be better off attempting to replicate liverpool’s attack with a front three and then the fb’s firing short crosses and low balls and letting pogba play freely with two of fred/mctominay/matic “mop” up behind?
Leicester City sold a lot of quality players for top-dollar transfer fees the past few seasons. Is that the model for smaller clubs to stay relevant in the EPL? And what are the chances that Leicester ever makes it back to the top 4?
What are your thoughts on Liverpool’s community shield performance?
How well do you think the Sane move to Bayern Munich (if it does happen) work? Who stands to benefit from that move more?
With the underlying numbers suggesting that the one point gap at the end of the season was flattering to Liverpool do you see any significant changes from either squad that will prevent the inevitable City three peat?
If you were a betting man (aka Bill Simmons rubbed off a lot on you), where would you put your money on Coutinho end up at the end of this summer?
Why hasn't Liverpool added anyone in the transfer market? They have Champions League money.
Thought on Derby signing Wayne Rooney as a player coach?
Brighton Hove have made a couple big splashes on Championship-tier players. Will they be enough to keep them up?
Are Wolves or Everton good enough to jump into the Top 6? Who is most likely to drop out? Chelsea seem the most likely candidate for me - no obvious replacement for Hazard's consistent 15+ goal seasons and Tammy Abraham is wildly inconsistent. If he is the choice to lead the line for this upcoming season.