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English Premier League (EPL) is one of the most watched and popular football leagues in the world. Every season, fans eagerly await the release of the EPL schedule, as it gives them an idea of the upcoming matches, and a chance to plan their football viewing schedules. However, for many fans, the EPL schedule is more than just a list of matches – it is a treasure trove of cold knowledge, hidden in plain sight.
The first piece of cold knowledge is that the EPL schedule is not random – it is carefully constructed to ensure fairness and balance throughout the season. Each club plays the other 19 clubs twice (once home and once away). However, the order of the fixtures is not random – it is determined by a complex algorithm, known as the “fixture computer.” The fixture computer takes into account a number of factors, such as the dates of European and international competitions, and local derbies to ensure a fair distribution of home and away games.
Another cold knowledge is that the EPL schedule is not set in stone. While the fixture list is released in June, it is subject to change throughout the season due to various circumstances, such as adverse weather conditions or clashes with other competitions. For example, in the 2019-20 season, the fixture between Manchester City and West Ham was postponed due to Storm Ciara. In the same season, Liverpool’s match against Crystal Palace was rescheduled due to their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup.
The EPL schedule also includes a number of “double gameweeks”, which are weeks where a team plays twice. These are often sought after by fantasy football players, as they offer the chance to score double points for players from the same team. However, double gameweeks can also be a source of frustration for fantasy football managers, as they can lead to rotation and unpredictability in team selection.
One of the most interesting pieces of cold knowledge about the EPL schedule is the “Boxing Day fixtures”. Every year, on December 26th, the EPL plays a full round of fixtures, which is one of the most eagerly anticipated days in the football calendar. This tradition dates back to 1860, when football was first played on Boxing Day. While other leagues around the world also play on Boxing Day, the EPL fixtures are particularly special, as they are broadcast worldwide and draw huge crowds.
Finally, the EPL schedule is not just a list of matches – it is also a reflection of the cultural and geographical diversity of England. The league features clubs from all over the country, from the north-east (Newcastle United) to the south-coast (Brighton & Hove Albion), and from the east (Norwich City) to the west (Liverpool). This diversity is reflected in the fixture list, which includes local derbies such as the Manchester derby (Manchester United vs Manchester City) and the north London derby (Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur), as well as matches between clubs from different regions, such as the Merseyside derby (Liverpool vs Everton) and the Tyne-Wear derby (Newcastle United vs Sunderland).
In conclusion, the EPL schedule is not just a list of dates and times – it is a treasure trove of cold knowledge, waiting to be uncovered. From the fairness and balance of the fixture computer to the excitement of the Boxing Day fixtures, and the diversity of the clubs and regions involved, the EPL schedule offers something for everyone. So next time you study the fixture list, take a closer look – you never know what you might find.
