This study aimed to compare accelerations (ACC) and decelerations (DEC) when in- (IP) and out of-possession (OP) during official English PremierLeague (EPL) match-play over three consecutive seasons considering playing position, match location and opponent ranking. Match data from 31 male professional soccer players was obtained via an optical tracking system. Playing position significantly influenced ACCIP, DECIP, and DECOP. Ranking difference and match location were significant predictors for DECIP, ACCOP, and DECOP. An increase in ranking difference was associated with higher DECIP. Conversely, in the out-of-possession phase (ACCOP and DECOP), a decrease in these parameters with increasing ranking difference was observed. Regarding match location, positive ß coefficientssuggested that DECIP, ACCOP, and DECOP values were significantly higher during away matches compared to home matches. A significant interaction (playing position×ranking difference) was reported for DECOP (ß = 0.035, p = 0.013). Interestingly, DECOP actions decreased with increasing ranking difference across all playing positions except for wingers. In conclusion, these findings highlight that distinct contextual factors influence ACC and DEC performance during in- and out-of-possession phases of EPL match-play.
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