So some teams have nothing left to play for in the Premier League? Don't bet on it, says Geoff Shreeves...
Everyone has it all to play for in the Premier League
As the season draws to a close and the serious jockeying for final places begins to shape up in earnest, there is one particular phrase, which never ceases to amaze me, that is bandied about with unquestioned regularity: "They've got an easier run-in than us."
Generally used by equally nervous managers and supporters alike, this hoary old chestnut is blithely trotted out without ever being examined properly. Just what exactly is an easy run-in?
The completely foolhardy study the fixtures and if their side are not due to face anybody in say the top six, go into confidence overdrive and predict a five-win sequence.
So who would you want to be playing? Certainly nobody near the relegation battle who's livelihoods quite literally depend on survival. With precious points at stake, every game is critical and every drop of blood and sweat given for the entire 90 minutes.
Current league table positions are an accurate reflection of form so far this season, but that doesn't apply in this situation. This is now all about who has the most fight left in them. Alan Shearer has always said to me of football: "It takes more will than skill."
So if you are penning your fantasy fixture list forget the bottom end. Doubly ditto the top end. The current top 10 clubs all have something to play for. First place, Champions League and Europa League being the most obvious but there is also a record number of Premier League points or highest-ever finish for the likes of Birmingham too.
Current league table position IS relevant because it reflects a solid season and a side who have performed well for the majority of the campaign. So for easy pickings do you look to a team who have nothing left to play for?
Motivation
For starters, I'm not convinced that such a thing actually exists, especially with £500,000 prize money on offer for every place higher up in the final table placing. I saw for myself on Sunday one such supposed mismatch.
Blackburn (virtually safe, no chance of qualifying for Europe) against Manchester United (fighting for their lives to remain champions). All the motivation was with the visitors. What happened? Rovers relaxed, played with a mixture of muscle and confidence and took a much-deserved point. The draw was priced at 3/1.
So taking into account all of the above I am absolutely intrigued as to what sort of game and outcome I'm going to see on Sunday at Fratton Park. Pompey, down, gone, relegated but jubilant FA Cup finalists.
The points on offer mean absolutely nothing to them. Aston Villa, still battling away and desperately hoping for favours elsewhere to see them seal a European place. Where's your money going? Villa are favourites at 11/8, with the home side priced at 2/1 and the draw a 9/4 shot.
