The English Premier League (EPL) 2023/2024 season is now in Matchweek 25, and the title race is neck and neck. There are only 13 weeks to go, and the title is up for grabs. Who will take the title this year? Are the reigning champs Manchester City (currently in 3rd place) going to make a comeback and be the first team in EPL history to win four championships in a row? Will Liverpool stay in first and send Coach Jurgen Klopp out as a champion – he recently announced he will step down as Liverpool’s coach at the end of the current season? Or, will Arsenal, who were ground down last season by Manchester City get retribution? You will have to tune in to find out.
If I were a betting man, my money would be on Manchester City. Manchester City, coached by the great Pep Guardiola, always seems to find a way to win when it counts.
Basics
The EPL has exploded in popularity in the United States and is the most popular league in the world. I previously wrote about how the English Premier League (EPL) has brought my son and me closer together. This is only our second year watching the EPL, and we can’t get enough. The EPL season runs 38 weeks from August to May the following calendar year. There are 20 teams in the EPL. The EPL boasts some of the fiercest competition in football. The league is a magnet for the world’s best footballing talent. From established superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah to emerging talents like Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Erling Haaland. The atmosphere in EPL stadiums is second to none. From the roar of the crowd to the chants and songs echoing throughout the stands, watching a game on TV immerses you in an electric atmosphere that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.
In the past, I had never spent much time watching sports on TV, but now, I personally enjoy waking up early on Saturday and Sunday to watch the EPL games. The game times are great because they usually finish early and will not interfere with my day. I can’t wait to take the family to watch some EPL games one day.
It is All About the Points
At first, I was hesitant to watch the EPL because I thought it was confusing. But here it is summed up:
Win: A team earns three points for winning a match. A win occurs when a team scores more goals than their opponent within the regulation 90 minutes of play.
Draw: If a match ends in a draw, with both teams scoring an equal number of goals, each team earns one point.
Loss: If a team loses a match, they do not earn any points.
At the end of the season, the team with the most points is crowned the champion, while the bottom three teams are relegated to the EFL Championship, and the top four teams qualify for the UEFA Champions League. That is all you need to know.
Watch
I have been very happy with the coverage through the Peacock TV app. NBC acquired rights to the Premier League in 2013. The Peacock TV app has great coverage that includes the pre-match show Premier League Live and the highlights shows Premier League Goal Zone and Match of the Day. I really enjoy the studio team led by Rebecca Lowe and co-hosted by Tim Howard (former USA goalkeeper and EPL player) and the 2 Robbies. Plus, the app has great documentaries and short stories that will get you caught up on the history, rivalries, and drama of the EPL. Some games are shown on the USA network (owned by NBC) as well.
If you want to get an analysis of the games every weekend, you can tune in to the 2 Robbies Podcast, hosted by two former professional football players Robbie Mustoe and Robbie Earle. You can find their show on the Peacock app, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. The way they analyze the games, the players, and coaches will make you appreciate the game. I wish I grew up learning soccer from them. If the 2 Robbies are not enough, you can find plenty of EPL podcasts. Some of the best podcasts can be found through The Athletic. I listen through Apple Podcasts. Tune in.
You will thank me on May 19.