Blackburn v Wigan has been moved from Saturday 5th May (same time as we play Stoke) to Monday 7th at 8pm, another Sky decision. We will obviously have already played, and both sides will know what they have to do in that game. A draw may suit, or one or other may already be relegated or safe depending on Saturday's results. With only one more game left after this, it strikes me as being very unfair. Of course, we may already be safe by then (here's hoping) but little things can be the making or breaking of an entire season, let's hope this is not one bad move for us by Sky....
Good point Curs. It could be argued that this advantage of knowing what you need to do through later kick offs is true all through the season. A simple way round this would be to schedule each round of games to start at the same time. How about 3 o'clock on Saturday afternoon? That would be novel. It would also mean I could buy a season ticket - just not worth it with unpredictability of match times v other commitments now. More Viz Top Tips soon.
It is in our hands, don´t worry about their result. We will have to be fine anyway or does anyone expect a good result against Man C. ?
Prior to last Monday's game, we were in the relegation zone, Blackburn were 17th. The same scenario could prevail before their game on May 7th, the difference being their opponents may already be relegated as a consequence of Saturday's games, and will have nothing to play for.
OR... it could be one of them is safe as a consequence of Saturday's games, and will have nothing to play for, while the other needs a win.
Yes, of course. My point is that we would prefer to play a team who had nothing to play for for either reason, and that 'advantage' is being offered to Blackburn ( if results dictate)
Best scenario: Both BB and Wigan gone before this game, giving Sky a nice financial kick in the butt!
On the other hand, if either of them are in the relegation zone, it will massive increase the pressure on them.
If one of them is already relegated they'll be desperate to finish 18th rather than 19th or 20th because there's about £1M a place difference in prize money. Even with parachute payments that's a significant amount to add onto the budget for the following year. True the players might not be that bothered, but if they look at the number of clubs going bust/into admin they might see playing for the £1-2M as being a way of stopping themselves having to defer wages the next year.
Players wont be bothers as the money isnt going to go to them. Half of them will be looking to jump ship anyway.
And the liklihood of them being able to will be influenced by the contracts they're on (eg Olofinjana still being ours because he's on £18k and Cardiff can't afford it) and their performances in the remaining games.
We can beat both City and United at their places ... Yep comfortable with that . Favourites for Europe next year