The introduction of VAR to the Premier League this coming season will mean more than 5 hours of extra football for fans to enjoy.
Plus goals scored from penalties across the 380 games are set to top 100 for the first time.
These are the findings from a study by spread betting firm Spreadex, who have looked at some of the likely impacts of the new system for the 2019-20 top flight campaign. For absolute beginners here is a detailed spread betting guide that should help.
Analysts at the bookmaker looked at the average length of injury time played over the past 4 English Premier League seasons – 4 minutes, 4.2 seconds – and compared this to injury time played in other leagues and competitions which have been using VAR. (Video Assistant Referee)
They found that on average each game lasted 50.2 seconds longer than without VAR, meaning an extra 5 hours, 17 minutes and 56 seconds of football is likely to be played in the Premier League this season.
Spreadex also predicts the number of penalties scored to top 100 for the first time since the English Premier League began due to the controversial new introduction.
Last season 84 goals came from the spot from 103 taken, the third highest total in Premier League history.
But Spreadex’s study found that in leagues using VAR, penalties scored have increased by as much as 12%.
The company is pitching its season spread on Converted Penalty Goals at 104 – 109 and Unconverted Penalties at 31 – 33.5.
Interestingly the study found that yellow and red cards were not impacted in the same way by the introduction of VAR and are not expecting vast increases in bookings and sendings off.
Spreadex spokesman Andy MacKenzie said: “Those fans who leave the ground early will find they are missing more football than ever before.
“With the introduction of VAR it’s likely there will be many cases of matches lasting for 100 minutes instead of the traditional 90 minutes.”
About Spreadex
Spreadex Ltd is a financial and sports spread betting and sports fixed odds betting firm, which specialises in the personal service and credit area. Founded in 1999, Spreadex is recognised as one of the longest established spread betting firms in the industry with a strong reputation for its high level of customer service and account management.
Editor’s note
In relation to spread betting, Spreadex Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Spread betting carries a high level of risk to your capital and can result in losses larger than your initial stake/deposit. It may not be suitable for everyone, so please ensure you fully understand the risks involved. In relation to fixed odds, Spreadex Ltd is licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission under licence number 8835.
Image credit – [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
