With the new English Premier League season already off to a flying start, Homestand Sports is testing the prediction powers of soccer fans across Canada in its new, free-to-play picks contest, 4-4-2 Picks.

Homestand Sports, the consumer media division of Parleh Media Group, is no stranger to utilizing a formation ingrained in the English soccer culture, as producer and developer of the Room 4-4-2 soccer show for Sportsgrid.

The Toronto-based firm’s latest venture sees fans across Canada (excluding Quebec) predict one of three outcomes – home win, away win, or draw – in a 2023/34 EPL match.

Fans will be awarded points based on correct picks, with monthly prizes awarded to top points earners. If a fan correctly picks every match’s result in a given month, they are eligible to win $250,000.

Mark Silver, CEO of Homestand Sports, explained: ”4-4-2 Picks will offer fans an engaging and easy-to-play game that rewards the most astute prognosticators throughout the EPL season.

“The predictor contest is the perfect pairing for the picks that legendary Canadian footy pundit James Sharman will give fans during his Room 4-4-2 segments on the Homestand Sports channel.”

Partnering Homestand Sports on the 4-4-2 Picks is Canadian-owned North Star Gaming, operator of NorthStar Bets, which will also act as the contest’s official prize supplier.

The contests also helps to advance NorthStar Gaming’s position as a convergence leader in media and regulated online sports wagering across Canada. NorthStar will have broadcast exposure during Room 4-4-2 segments, and brand integration across Homestand’s content channels.

“We’re thrilled to be teaming up with our partners at Homestand Sports to support this unique and highly engaging initiative,” said Michael Moskowitz, CEO of NorthStar Gaming.

“Producing captivating multi-platform sports content continues to help differentiate NorthStar Gaming in the market.

“4-4-2 Picks is a natural extension of this philosophy as it will create new opportunities for fan engagement and excitement throughout the season. We look forward to it deepening our growing relationship with soccer fans across the country.”

The 2023/24 season began in thrilling fashion last weekend with headline results including Newcastle United’s 5-1 demolition of Aston Villa, and the action steps up a notch on Saturday as Manchester City and Newcastle face off in a battle of the big spenders.

Throughout the season, Homestand has committed to supporting the contest with original content across its platforms.

“Canadian soccer fans are among the most knowledgeable and passionate followers of the Premier League around the world,” said Sharman, also Head of Soccer Content/Executive Producer for Homestand Sports.

“4-4-2 Picks provides another avenue for footy fans to cheer on their favourite teams and players across the pond.”