Midweek Madness: The Impact of Rapid Fixture Turnarounds in the Premier League
As the Premier League schedule enters a frenetic period, with all 20 teams in action on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, the question arises: could the quick turnaround between matches be a problem for some clubs? Will fatigue lead to an increase or decrease in goal-scoring?
Most teams in the Premier League will have two or three full days between their weekend match and the next fixture. Many are evenly matched, facing opponents with the same amount of rest time. However, a single extra day of recovery can provide a significant advantage to the team with the additional rest.
One such example is the clash between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. Forest have the home advantage, but Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side played on Saturday, rather than Sunday, and will be looking to bounce back from a shock defeat. Nottingham Forest, who have had an impressive campaign, have struggled with inconsistent midweek results. The Gunners, on the other hand, have won all three of their midweek league games this season, while their opponents have kept just one clean sheet.
Another intriguing matchup is the encounter between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City. Spurs thrashed Ipswich Town on Saturday, while City faced Liverpool just days after their clash with Real Madrid – a schedule that is sure to take a toll. In this case, the extra day that Ange Postecoglou’s side has over Pep Guardiola’s men could present a significant opportunity at home.
Squad Depth: A Tactical Advantage?
Four teams in the Premier League have used 24 or fewer players this season, and only one of them is not currently in the top three. Nottingham Forest (23), Arsenal (24), and Liverpool (24) have all made good use of their players so far, but the demanding schedule, combined with other commitments, can take a toll.
Liverpool, for instance, sit atop the Premier League, are in the Carabao Cup final, and are juggling UEFA Champions League duties. As a result, they have only won one of their four midweek league games, making their tie against Newcastle United on Wednesday an intriguing one to watch.
Interestingly, all three clubs currently in the relegation zone are in the top five when it comes to most players used, suggesting that bigger doesn’t always mean better. However, when a squad has depth and quality, it can be a significant advantage during the midweek fixtures.
With six English clubs still competing in European competitions, squad rotation and prioritizing may come into play, which could impact goal-scoring. However, the data suggests that midweek matches in the Premier League have actually seen an increase in goals, with over 2.5 goals scored in six of the 10 fixtures in the last full round of midweek games.
Chelsea, for example, are an interesting team to watch, as the Conference League is now their only feasible chance of silverware. With their current form and injury struggles, a win over Southampton is still expected, but their attention may be focused on their upcoming FC Copenhagen game. In this case, a low-scoring affair with under 3.5 goals could be a wise bet, as both sides look to regain their form.
In conclusion, the rapid fixture turnaround in the Premier League promises to be an intriguing challenge for teams, with squad depth, rest time, and prioritization of competitions all playing a role. While fatigue may be a concern, the data suggests that midweek matches could see an increase in goal-scoring, making for thrilling and unpredictable encounters. Fans and bettors alike will be eagerly watching to see how each team navigates this midweek madness.
