The Return of The EPL & We Chat About It
Today is the start of another amazing season from (maybe) the best league on Earth.
I hope you don’t mind me spending a Friday in August offering one of my detours before the NFL regular season begins.
There are few things that I enjoy as much as my English Premier League and the new season begins in a few hours as our defending champions, Liverpool, host Bournemouth to begin the new season under the lights at Anfield.
Now, I will tell you right here at the top the following. I love this sport. But I love it as a fan. I do not consider myself an expert, at all. I love the league, I follow it closely, too. I consume books, documentaries, podcasts, and everything about both Liverpool and the entire league.
But, trust me, I do not study enough to know your club well enough and I do not have the expertise in this sport to position myself as someone who can help you fill out your fantasy team, assist you in a 3-team parlay this weekend, or even properly settle a debate about which EPL Manager is the best.
Rather, this sport is my hobby. I watch it to relax and enjoy. Football (American version) is my career and my passion.
Soccer? I watch it because it is fun. I watch it without a notebook. I sit in my robe and drink my coffee on Saturday Morning and watch matches because it is my relaxation. I cheer against my enemies and I cheer for my guys. So, I just want this out in the open: I am biased, I am somewhat casual, and I like it that way.
But…
I also have high levels of passion and my own newsletter (thanks to you), so yes, I do look for chances to offer content when available. I have written several pieces over the years that you can find at the Soccer tab and I promise many more this year (and some from today’s special guest).
Today, before I do watch Liverpool (but not in a robe), I wanted to bring my friend and soccer maniac Peter Welpton on for a chat to get you ready for the season. This one might be lengthy.
Before, I do, here are the current title odds for this season. I thought that might be helpful for those trying to figure out how tight things look at the top. I do think it is a Four-horse race:
Current English Premier League top odds:
Liverpool +175
Arsenal +225
Manchester City +300
Chelsea +900
Newcastle United +3300
Manchester United +4000
Tottenham Hotspur +5000
Aston Villa +6600
OK, now, here is my conversation with Mr Welpton. I hope you enjoy.