Spain may well be better in terms of the quality of the football (better coaching = better tactics = better teams) but the Championship has more $$, way more, than any other D2 and the individual players are better as a result. BL2 would belong in the conversation as well
Like @felloveranddidanadu says, it'd make zero sense for Orlando to exercise that right. Barnsley are almost certain to be in the playoffs, and how Daryl does there will have far more impact on their season - via the difference in the players they can afford to acquire before the MLS window closes/after it reopens than him scoring/assisting in every one of the half-dozen MLS games he'll miss. I'd imagine that Daryl would have something to say about that idea as well. Not too sure it'd be printable though.
The Canaries are back to the EPL for sure, and Watford are almost there. Needless to say, the fave to win the playoff is the third team relegated last season: B'mouth. While Reading may still catch the 3-6 pack, it's unlikely.
Reading haven't won three in a row since February, when they played Rotherham, Blackburn and Sheffield Wednesday, two of whom were (and still are) in the relegation places. Meanwhile, Barnsley have won 3 of their last 4 games and 112 of their last 15. Even if Reading win today, a win for Barnsley leaves Reading with only a mathematical chance - squeaking in on GD by winning both of their last two games while Barnsley lose both. Not going to happen.
Barnsley play Rotherham today, who have 5 games to make up a 4-point gap on a desperately poor Derby and escape relegation. The Millers have taken just one point from the last 5 games, conceding 7 goals in the process - exactly the opposition you'd want to face in a game where a win would all but seal a playoff place.
I got him now set to finish with 12 goals *crossing fingers* He's only 2 goals behind their top scorer who's played in 22 more games.
Barnsley grind out a 1-0 result in an ugly game. But a huge 3 points nonetheless. They just need 1 more point from their last two games (or they just need Reading to drop points in any of their last 3 games) to secure a spot in the playoffs.
The tragedy? Just try to get a Barnsley jersey. Unless you are 3XL or 4XL you are out of luck. I thought it would be fun. I thought I would channel the beast. I thought I'd look nice in red. I will never know.
Playoffs-bound: CONFIRMED: @DarylDike and @BarnsleyFC have clinched a berth in the @SkyBetChamp Promotion Playoffs! https://t.co/zbjEma9Thb— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) April 25, 2021
Going to be interested in watching Barnsley and Swansea try and get that last spot. Though Im pretty sure both USA players on Swansea are out after year whether they qualify or not right?
They're both gone already - Arriola's loan was terminated after he injured his quad at the end of March, Morris's after the ACL injury.
Looks like Championship is a filter which only the fittest can pass and move on in to Premiership. Dike has a passing grade. Other two failed. I am wonder if new MLS kids like Cowell can success here.
it is perhaps the roughest league in the world. It's a terrible filter if we want our guys to learn good soccer.
Saying that Morris failed because he tore his ACL is really narrow thinking. You don't need to tear down one player to build up another.