Sugar We're Going Down Swinging

Supporters of the so-called "Other 14" in English soccer watched with a combination of bemusement and horror last week as the "Big Six" joined with three Italian and three Spanish clubs to launch the European Super League. Turned out the ESL owners were flying with waxen wings, and the sun was shining brightly. Karma, as we know, is a bitch.

Rumors now abound regarding the possible penalties the six English clubs (Liverpool, Manchesters City and United, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea) might face as they return to the fold, tails between their legs. Some reasonably credible folks have suggested they face as much as a 30-point penalty in the standings. In reality, they wield too much power for the English Football Association (FA) to do much more than slap their greedy wrists. I'm guessing a transfer ban of some sort.

But if I'm wrong, and the FA's righteous fury becomes the worst case for the six traitors, well that's at least an interesting thought experiment. At the moment Man City is coasting to a third league title in four years, ten points clear of Manchester United with five matches to play. Here's what the current table looks like:

Imagine for a moment the seismic reshuffling that would result from a 30-point deduction. The top four would be:

1. Leicester (59 points)
2. West Ham (55)
3. Everton (52)
4. Manchester City (47)

(It's a measure of City's dominance that a 30-point deduction would still see them likely to qualify for the Champions League.)

Leeds United, Aston Villa, and Wolves would grab Europa League places in this scenario. What's perhaps more interesting is what the relegation battle would look like. The legendary Arsenal would be in dead last, seven points away from safety, one point behind Sheffield United. Tottenham Hotspur would occupy the 18th spot in the table, a point behind Liverpool. Chelsea would probably be safe on 28 points, but it wouldn't be guaranteed.

Oh, and, y'know, Fulham would suddenly be in 15th, four points clear of the relegation zone. Whaddya know about that?

Back here in the real world, Fulham are seven points from safety with five matches to play. They've managed to drop seven points from winning or tied positions in the final 15 minutes of each of their last three matches (in the final minute of two of those three). It does not look good for my guys. 

Unless something changes, Fulham will be relegated for the third time since I've been a supporter of the club. I'm starting to think those greedy dudes who wanted a guaranteed place in the ESL competition might've been on to something.

Come On You Whites! Let's make a miracle. Or let's listen to Bruce Springsteen sing our 2020/21 anthem.