What if the Premier League is decided on points-per-game?
Published:
The Premier League is entering uncharted waters, as ittries to work out the best way to continue, resolve or void their seasons inthe wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is not alone, of course. All of Europe is trying to figureout how best to handle the situation, with roughly three quarters of traditionalAugust to May European domestic campaigns completed.
In France, the decision has been taken to curtail the seasonearly and decide both the Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 standings on a points-per-gamebasis.
This has worked out largely well in Ligue 1, given that everyside bar runaway leaders Paris Saint-Germain and mid-table Strasbourg hasplayed 28 matches.
So, could this idea work in the Premier League?
The Premier League table – as it stands
As it turns out, a quick glance at the Premier League tableshows that even under a points-per-game method, the top five would remain unchanged.
Liverpool are within fingertips of the Premier League title,and no amount of points-per-game trickery will deny them that.
Similarly, Manchester City (despite playing 28 games),Leicester City, Chelsea and Manchester United would remain in their current positionson a points-per-game basis.
Wolves versus Sheffield United
But behind them is where the points-per-game issue lies,with Wolves level on points with Sheffield United having played a game more.
Some simple maths tells us that if the season was decided ona points-per-game basis, Chris Wilder’s Blades would have 1.54 points-per-game,versus Wolves’ 1.48.
Not only would this cause a swing in Premier League prizemoney, it could also see the Yorkshire side thrusted into a Europa League spotat the expense of Nuno Espirito Santo’s men.
And with 16 of the 20 sides having played 29 Premier Leaguegames, there is only one other points-per-game induced switch, and it’s all inNorth London.
Under a points-per-game basis, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal would leapfrog arch-rivals Tottenham, with 1.42ppg to Spurs’ 1.41.
Premier League relegation
Aston Villa are the only other side to have a game in hand,but under a points-per-game method, the Villans would still be second-bottom inthe table, with 0.89ppg versus 0.93 for Watford, Bournemouth and West Ham.
And should the season be decided on points-per-game, unluckyBournemouth would find themselves relegated by a single goal.
So overall, finishing the season on a points-per-game basis would have relatively few complications for most teams – although boardroom discussions would be needed at Molineux and Bramall Lane.
Premier League table – Points-per-game
Want to know what that all means? We’ve put the Premier League table together on a points-per-game basis…
What do you think? Could the Premier League decide theseason on a points-per-game basis? Would that be fair? Let us know in thecomments or tweet us @Ladbrokes!
