The split
After 22 rounds the league divides in two
Each club plays the other eleven twice, then the table splits: the top six contest the title and the European places, the bottom six play to avoid the relegation spot. Every club then plays ten more matches within its group, so a season ticket covers 16 home games and the fixture list changes character in spring.
For buyers, the split is the calendar's hinge. Championship-round matches between the leading clubs are the season's premium fixtures, and they only exist once the split is decided.