Whilst on a particularly bad day, a supporter might either assume names have been pulled out of a hat, or perhaps that data has a very specific vendetta against their club, there's method to the madness.

Before preparing the schedule, the Premier League looks at a number of different variables, including security issues around clubs hosting matches in the same cities or any particular dates clubs don't want to play at home.

Then there are rules to be followed: clubs can't play more than two games at home on the trot, and they cannot play two matches away or at home to close off their campaign.

But as we all know, fixtures - particularly in the latter half of the season - can be subject to the odd reshuffle, as things sharpen up in Europe, broadcasting concerns are taken into consideration, as are any unprecedented turns of events.

The Premier League also insist that travel issues are taken into account, through minimising travel on Bank Holidays, while the top light are keen to avoid 'pinch points' on the rail and road network during gameweeks.