In my eyes, there's a huge advantage to having games in hand. Doesn't mean you'll take it, but it's the "joker" card you have up your sleeve until it's played. The later in the season it is, the bigger it becomes. Now, most clubs will all have played the same number of games. At least for a while.
We've played all 22 games to date, more than most clubs, so all the whinging over "special treatment" is a load of you-know-what.