It is very early, although Burnley’s last game was 4 weeks ago so they have had an ok break. Time flies.
That's the fella. His name escapes me at the momentI. His name was from a Bananarama song possibly Robert De Niro?
It's never been completely random as there's too much conditionality to adhere to such as no derbies on opening or final day and making sure paired clubs don't play at home on the same weekend.
Theres "not completely random " and there's outright bullshit. Kompany playing with promoted Burnley against treble champions City first game back . Not that I actually give a toss tbh but it's so controlled it's a joke.
I just mean I don't think they ever claimed it was random? It seems to be one of those things people just assumed was the case. Interesting article here which shows how complex it is if anyone's curious - https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/paulfletcher/2009/06/secrets_of_the_fixture_compute.html "West Ham, it turns out, are paired with Dagenham and Redbridge. But for reasons of revenue Southend request they do not play at home on the same day as the Hammers as they believe it impacts upon their attendance. Southend, though, are in Essex, as are Colchester, so they cannot play together on the same weekend. Colchester share stewards with Ipswich so those two clubs also request they do not play home games on the same weekend. Transport links dictate Ipswich and Norwich do not play together on the same weekend either. In other words, when West Ham play at home can have an impact on when a club as far away as Norwich (108.8 miles) play their home fixtures. And there are 12 other professional clubs in London... "
I may be a totally boring bastard but I find this sort of stuff really interesting. Who'd have thought West Hams fixtures could affect Norwich! Fascinating stuff
Yeah I do too. Love the logistics and thought process which goes into it. Fascinating as you say. The smaller club requesting not to play on same day as a bigger club is quite common I believe. Rochdale and United spring to mind
