English Premier League question

[CadaverDawg]

Ok, I'm going to try and watch English Premier League. Give me your advice on the following....

When does the season start?
What channels can I find games?
What is the most popular team to pull for if I'm going to simply choose a team? Who do you pull for, and what reputable players play for your team?

I'm making an effort bc I enjoyed the WC. Help me get started.

[DudyDawg]

Okay I'll try to help the whole team thing with my story. So I really wasn't a huge soccer fan until about three years ago. I played growing up and like it, but didn't follow. Then I decided to give it a shot. I started watching a lot of the presean games (not a WC year, and all the big teams were playing games here) and watched a Real Madrid game. And I fell in love with their style and players. My advice, go into the first few weeks with no allegiance and just watch the big teams (Chelsea, Liverpool, arsenal, the Manchester teams). See which one you like as far as style, uniforms, stadiums, players. You can't force fandom, but if you let yourself be open to it, you'll fall in love for a team pretty fast. Now, Real Madrid aren't in the EPL, but you get the idea. The games are on NBC/ NBCSN. Also, watch the champions league games. That'll get you a mix of the English and other top clubs in Europe. That's on fox sports networks. I think the schedules have just been released, so you can find those on the web pretty easily. And don't worry about not knowing the game or rules or teams off the bat. You won't have to actively research to learn it, you'll pick it up by watching it. That would be my advice and that's how I got to where I am on soccer probably being my 1a or 1b favorite sport

[#660000]

Answered in order.

August 16, 2014
Some on NBC, others on NBC Sports
There are the big four - Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United. I pull for the Mississippi State of the EPL - Tottenham.

[DudyDawg]

Manchester city is bigger than Liverpool right now. Two titles in last three years. If I were to say which way to lean as a fan, I would direct you to man city and Chelsea cadaver. But, like I said, go in open and you'll find one you like

[TheRef]

I'm a Swansea City FC fan myself.

[CadaverDawg]

Thanks guys. Glad the seasons are about to start. Keep em coming...I'd like to see who the consensus teams to cheer for are on the board. We may have to start an EPL or Champions League discussion thread from time to time.

[TheRef]

Thanks guys. Glad the seasons are about to start. Keep em coming...I'd like to see who the consensus teams to cheer for are on the board. We may have to start an EPL or Champions League discussion thread from time to time.

I'm planning on doing a monthly EPL update thread.

[DudyDawg]

My team. Real Madrid. When watching EPL I tend to pull for Chelsea. Most similar is style of play (same formation, stuff like that)

[DudyDawg]

Also, I've said it before, but if anyone is kinda trying to get into the sport, watch a Real Madrid Barcelona game. Biggest rivalry in any sport on earth. It's insanely intense

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

I'm a Swansea City FC fan myself.

Why is that?

[TheRef]

Why is that?

Met a guy from Swansea and he got me hooked on the team. My first EPL love.

[DudyDawg]

I'm planning on doing a monthly EPL update thread.

Good. I think we should start the season w one and make a new one monthly w updated tables and the upcoming month's big games. I'll try to help with updates on Spain too bc that's what I watch too.

[TheRef]

Good. I think we should start the season w one and make a new one monthly w updated tables and the upcoming month's big games. I'll try to help with updates on Spain too bc that's what I watch too.

If you can do La Liga, I'll do EPL. Anyone feel like doing Serie A or Bundalista?

[BrunswickDawg]

I'm still trying to decide too - got into games again this season with them being on NBCS. Leaning to Liverpool b/c they were big when I was a kid - plus the "we will never walk alone" chant they do is pretty awesome. Followed Fulham some - just because of the Shad Khan/JAX Jaguars link (worst owner in both football and futbol). I also follow Celtic and Kilmarnock in the Scottish League just for something different

[DudyDawg]

I'm still trying to decide too - got into games again this season with them being on NBCS. Leaning to Liverpool b/c they were big when I was a kid - plus the "we will never walk alone" chant they do is pretty awesome. Followed Fulham some - just because of the Shad Khan/JAX Jaguars link (worst owner in both football and futbol). I also follow Celtic and Kilmarnock in the Scottish League just for something different

Unfortunately Fulham got relegated. Also, I would've probably recommended Liverpool as well if it weren't for Suarez missing 4 months, which will likely make them hard to get into at first. I do think they have the best fans in England tho

[DudyDawg]

If you can do La Liga, I'll do EPL. Anyone feel like doing Serie A or Bundalista?

Yeah, I'll try to do that. I'll lump it with the EPL one and make it less extensive just to keep the curmudgeon's and coach's from being bothered too much. I'll try to make sure you all know when the Barcelona Real Madrid games are tho. Those are unmissable

[CadaverDawg]

Unfortunately Fulham got relegated

What's that mean?

NCAA sanctions? Recruiting violation?**

[TheRef]

What's that mean?

NCAA sanctions? Recruiting violation?**

Basically if you're last place in the EPL, you get dropped down to the 2nd league

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

I was going to start a thread similar to this asking for help finding a team to pull for in the EPL this year. I started watching the EPL stuff on NBC Sports during Christmas break last year for lack of better things to do and ended up really enjoying it. So I am trying to find a team to pull for this year. I refuse to be like Ref and pull for an MSU equivalence of the EPL. I've been leaning towards Arsenal simply because I played a full season with them in FIFA on Xbox and know the players. Any reasons why this would be a bad choice?

[Dawg61]

Thanks guys. Glad the seasons are about to start. Keep em coming...I'd like to see who the consensus teams to cheer for are on the board. We may have to start an EPL or Champions League discussion thread from time to time.

You'll immediately like Everton because their goalie is Tim Howard. I am yet to have a favorite team rise up for me. I like watching Man U, Man City, Everton, Liverpool (can't believe Suarez did that shit again) Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenheim. I'm holding out hope that in the next ten years USA will get a team or two in that league and then I will instantly have my team. (I know Smoot it is impossible you say but I disagree so let's just disagree).