What about fixtures?!

Roman Toffee · November 14, 2007

Hi mates,

i would like to know which criteria are used to compile the EPL fixtures; here in Italy, the first match of the campaign will be, obviously at invert ground, the first of "return".

In EPL we may play both matches against a club before meet another club for the first time in the season... why?! :unsure:

if someone could/would explain me, i'll appreciate a lot,
ty

McBain · November 14, 2007

I dont get it myself....

zero · November 14, 2007

Roman Toffee said:
Hi mates,

i would like to know which criteria are used to compile the EPL fixtures; here in Italy, the first match of the campaign will be, obviously at invert ground, the first of "return".

In EPL we may play both matches against a club before meet another club for the first time in the season... why?!

if someone could/would explain me, i'll appreciate a lot,
ty

The FA probably just pick names out of a hat to be honest.

Roman Toffee · November 14, 2007

zero said:
The FA probably just pick names out of a hat to be honest.

oh... professional... where's their center, Hogwarts?! :unsure:

SuitsBlue · November 14, 2007

so far as im aware, christmas and new years fixtures are selected to try and keep games local so fans dont have to travel a long way.

other sporting events dictate - grand national for instance.

Everton rarely play at home at the same time as the [Poor language removed] to stop traffic and potential flare ups on trains/busses.

with regards fixtures, this season the FA have been nicer to us, started with wigan at home, finish with newcastle at home.

as for playing all sides once, then playing the reverse fixtures, there is possible method - had we played wigan in the league over the first two weekends of the season, they wouldnt have faced cahill and yakubu - but 4 months between fixtures home and away and the likelihood of a side capitalising on an injury crisis or sickness at a club or suspensions is removed. that and sky dictate who plays so they can accrue the best tv viewers.

CanadaToffee · November 14, 2007

Roman Toffee said:
oh... professional... where's their center, Hogwarts?!

Good one!

GhostOfDixie · November 14, 2007

Suits you nailed it at the end there.

SKY TV - they decide the schedule. You will find most derby matches will correspond with another derby match on the same weekend. Merseyside and Glasgow. Manchester and North London, North East and Second City.

Its all seasonal too, and more often than not, big games will end up at crucial months of the season, the final month for example.