I don't know how much analytically you are penalized for missed chances. And I say that truly not knowing. I get the sense that because there is no perceived danger or downside from a missed chance that you are not really penalized for it. Whereas if you miss a tackle and get beat outside of your own box, then there is real danger that follows.

Btw, I post the Fotmob stats to just further paint a picture of the game. Not make it the whole picture. Go no further than Rio. I thought was unreal after he came on but only has a 7.2. I think analytics are important and helpful, but you should also trust the eyeball test as well.

Some somewhat concrete news surrounding the Man City situation was leaked today. Oliver Holt (Chief Sports Writer at the Daily Mail) who was one of the first reporters to break news about Man City's transgressions years ago was reportedly told by sources that City will likely face a points deduction guaranteeing relegation to the Championship this season. They would then face another points deduction next year, ensuring they don't immediately bounce back up.

All in all, that could mean two full years in the Championship with no Champions League football, and potentially no participation in the FA Cup or Carabao Cup either. On top of that, there would almost certainly be a fine of 100M+ and a transfer ban lasting for a number of years. I personally would force the owners to sell the club, but because of who the owners are I don't think they'll have to sack to do it.

This would really cripple City, as I doubt players like Haaland, Anderson, Cherki, Bouaddi, Guehi, and so on would want to play Championship football with no additional cup competitions for multiple seasons.

If this scenario plays out, it raises the question: how does City go about selling Haaland and company? Will they be allowed to sell them for whatever they can get and keep the revenue, or will those sales come with specific stipulations? Either way, it's fascinating to see how it might unfold, and I think we will know by the end of this year or by January.

Oh it's getting spicy!

It really is the most fascinating story in sports right now, and I don't think it's particularly close. This is the biggest cheating scandal in sports history, and the parties involved make it that much bigger.

On top of that, because of how world football is structured, the EPL has the ability to hand down unprecedented punishment and banish one of its biggest clubs. In the United States, this type of cheating would certainly get you stripped of draft capital, handed huge fines, lead to the banishment of most front office staff, force the sale of the club by ownership, and maybe result in a postseason banalong with a visit from the Feds. But through it all, the club would still exist and participate in the league.

This is so unique because Man City will effectively be gone for all intents and purposes. In some ways, they simply won't exist.

I expect some rotation today. Gravenberch is almost certainly coming in, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Mac Allister start on the bench. We've played a lot of matches lately, and turning around from Saturday to Tuesday is tough. That could open the door for Nyoni to start.

I also think Rio gets the nod on the right wing. For me, Isak shouldn't touch the field given the tight turnaround and the fact that he's coming off an injury. Lastly, I wouldn't be shocked by some rotation in the backlineVVD, Jaquet, and Araujo have logged heavy minutes, so Gomez could start at RB or CB.

Iraola obviously wants to win every match, but he's pragmatic and has shown he's willing to rotate. Truthfully, this weekend's match against Brighton is more criticalwe need those points far more than this Champions League fixture, especially since our remaining CL games aren't as daunting.

Moar

Lineup:

Alisson
VVD
Jacquet
Mac Allister
Gakpo
Tsimikas
Araujo
Gravenberch
Nyoni
Koumas
Ngumoha

Bench: Mamardashvili, Woodman, Gomez, Kerkez, Isak, Barcola, Wirtz, Chambers, McConnel, Danns, Laffey.

Like this lineup. Gives guys some rest but still strong.

Also Barca and PSG at 2:00 PM. Could feed families. With a literal war going on outside the stadium.

Atta baby VVD way to be **** right off the bat. Amazing captain presence.

Been awful so far.

Holy **** get VVD off the field.

VVD with another bone-headed mistakes. Lucky nothing came out of it.

Impressed with Rio's play so far. He has been intentional.

Backline has been ass. And the midfield.

I'd throw this game and take guys off at half at this point. Just get fresh for the weekend, because they definitely don't look like they want to be on the pitch right now.

That was predictable.

Aight, switching over to PSG vs Barca.

The pressing is non-existent.

Unfortunately Mac Allister brings us back. I was really wanting to turn it and go watch PSG Barca hahaha.

Tksymm7 said:

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Unfortunately Mac Allister brings us back. I was really wanting to turn it and go watch PSG Barca hahaha.

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Seeing that we scored after I stopped watching, I will not switch back.

Valid, sir, Extremely valid. I honestly may switch over anyways. This PSG Barca looks too good.

And just like that we are back.

What a first half!

3 goals scored in the half and only 1 min of added time....

*4 goals scored. Way to take advantage of their mistake, Araujo!

Tksymm7 said:

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And just like that we are back.

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You're welcome.

Mac Allister and Rio have been out of this world good.

Some dog crap defending from the wingbacks but who cares.

No need to bring on Isak now....

Starting that belt to ass motion that Michael Irving likes so much.

Lamine OMG.

And PSG just re-took the lead.

This match is top class.

What a crazy match day this is turning out to be

A day to forget for VVD. It may be time to get him some more days off. He's looking every day of 35 this game.

PSG is unreal

Currently at Brit's Pub in Minneapolis and the city fans here are insufferable. Can't wait for them to have no part in the Prem or Champions League for the next few years. They deserve all that is coming their way.

An amazing early slate of games if you like energy and attack.