Who do you want for the first game?
Bare in mind we played at home for the 1st game of the last season at a different ground so can't play at home for the 1st game this season, it's a stupid rule.
That rule doesn't exist. But we're likely to have requested at least three away games to start with, possibly four, to try and make sure our ground's ready. I expect we'll play the first four away and will have the first home match after the internationals, taking place between 14th and 17th of September.Who do you want for the first game?
Bare in mind we played at home for the 1st game of the last season at a different ground so can't play at home for the 1st game this season, it's a stupid rule.
We were away (as usual) to Newcastle last season on the opening day. No complaints for getting a few away games out of the way this time. Usually start slow and Kane might break his August duck if the conditions keep changing, will be a nice distraction from the obvious pressure of the duck and whatever reaction he has after the World Cup. Would like at least one big away trip in the opening four. 3 points against a top 6 side would make up for any other slowness.Who do you want for the first game?
Bare in mind we played at home for the 1st game of the last season at a different ground so can't play at home for the 1st game this season, it's a stupid rule.
Nope - normally they would be home when we're away but that doesn't happen when a team starts away for a period. It'll just mean we'll both be home on the same game round at some point, and they'll schedule it to ensure we don't play on the same day (e.g. if Arsenal's game that week was selected for TV at Saturday 5.15, we'd play on the Sunday even if there was no TV coverage).I guess this means arsenal have a run of home games to start the season.
Even last season, their home form was very good, and with hardly any players going to the WC,
there is a high chance they'll start well.
The easiest fixture to switch without knock-ons is Tottenham Vs Arsenal, so I'm expecting an early away derby, and hopefully we can grab a point or 3 off em.
I’d want the trickiest games so as to ramp up the pressure on the players - increasing the chances of a flying start, whilst lowering supporter expectations, as we normally might only get a point or three From the big away games.
Utd, city, Chelsea and Liverpool away for the first four please. That would get us so focussed.
I'd want the opposite to be honest. I know we aren't the only team which will have quite a few playing in the WC, but we did start looking tired towards the end of the season, and now most of our squad won't be having much of a break.
Also with the pressure of having the possibility that we will play 4 away games we don't need the possibility of being nearer the bottom than the top, because we might take a game or 2 to settle into the new stadium, as teams will play with that extra being their 1st visit, wanting to make our new home, not very lucky.
Be brave!
In all seriousness though, they are bonus games to get points from...my fear is, like West Ham last season, we start cold and lose or draw away games we would otherwise win. Why not do that against teams where a result will have a big effect on the final league table. One or two wins out of that lot would be immense. Whereas a slow start against lower teams could be fatal.