Predictions For Premier League Gameweek 20

​It’s that time of the week again when I attempt to predict the outcomes of the upcoming Premier League games. I didn’t have a great week yet again last week with one perfect prediction, three correct outcomes and six incorrect outcomes, but I managed to move up in my predictions league as others didn’t do well either. Here’s a look at how the top five in that league stands.

Pos     Player                   Res     Cls    Exa    Slm    Pts

1.        SeniorBurger        22      82.5    63      13      180.5 

2.        Murray1886          29     70.5     63      13     175.5

3.       Gooners                 27      66       69      10     172

4.       andy                       26      78      54       11     169

5.       robbieg                  29      78      48        13     168

I had a very bad week with my fantasy team as Hugo Ekitike failed to deliver with the armband and the only player to get me any points was Bruno Guimaraes. I had to make a last minute change after hearing Declan Rice was injured which means I only have one transfer to make this week. With so many players not performing it’s going to take a while to make up my mind on who should be bought and sold.

I think the captaincy has to go back to Erling Haaland this week as he is so good at home in particular and Chelsea might struggle given their current turmoil. I had planned to bring Gabriel Magahlaes in this week, but I have obviously left it too late after his display last week and I no longer have the funds to do so because of my late transfer last week. Such are the trials and tribulations of trying to manage a fantasy team and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Saturday January 3

Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest 

12.30pm GMT, Villa Park, Birmingham 

Villa lost 4-1 away to Arsenal on Tuesday night and that defeat saw them stay in third place, but they’re now six points off the top of the table. They have won their last seven home games and they will be confident of making it eight in a row in this game. They had won 12 of their previous 13 games before losing to Arsenal and they don’t play any of the big six teams in their next nine games.

Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins are the Villa players to have for fantasy managers.

Forest lost 2-0 at home to Everton in midweek and they’re now only four points above the relegation zone. They have lost their last two away games after winning the previous two with only two other teams scoring less goals on the road. They have lost their last three games and they failed to score in two of them with only Wolves scoring less goals.

I’m not sure there are any Forest players showing enough consistency to interest fantasy managers.

I think Villa will get their title challenge back on course with a narrow victory in this game.

Prediction: 2-1

Brighton And Hove Albion v Burnley 

3pm GMT, AMEX Stadium, Brighton 

Brighton twice came from behind to draw 2-2 away to West Ham on Tuesday night, but they dropped to 14th place in the table. They haven’t won in their last three home games with only Palace drawing more games on their own patch. They haven’t won in six games, but they drew three of them with only Bournemouth and Sunderland drawing more games.

If he’s fit to play Yankuba Minteh is the best bet in the Brighton team for fantasy managers with the fit again Danny Welbeck worth considering too.

Burnley lost 3-1 at home to Newcastle in midweek and they’re still one place off the foot of the table with six points to make up on 17th place. They have only taken one point from their last four away games with only Wolves taking less points on their travels and only Bournemouth conceding more goals. They have only taken two points from their last 10 games with only two other teams scoring less and conceding more goals.

I can’t see any Burnley players to recommend to fantasy managers at the moment.

I think Brighton will be good enough to win this game with a couple of goals to spare.

Prediction: 2-0

Wolverhampton Wanderers v West Ham United 

3pm GMT, Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton 

Wolves came from behind to draw 1-1 away to United on Tuesday night, but they’re still rooted to the foot of the table. They’re the only team without a home win with no other team scoring less or conceding more goals on their own ground. They had lost 11 games in a row before drawing with United with no other team scoring less or conceding more goals.

I can’t see any Wolves players who would be of interest to fantasy managers.

West Ham twice led at home to Brighton in midweek, but they had to settle for a 2-2 draw to remain in the bottom three and they’re now four points from safety. They haven’t won in their last seven away games, but they drew four of them with no other team drawing more games on the road. They haven’t won in eight games, but they drew four of them with only Wolves conceding more goals.

Jarrod Bowen is the only West Ham player doing enough to turn the heads of fantasy managers.

This is a big game for two teams in the relegation zone and I think West Ham might just manage three badly needed points.

Prediction: 1-2

Bournemouth v Arsenal 

5.30pm GMT, Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth 

Bournemouth drew 2-2 away to Chelsea on Tuesday night and they’re still only four points off the top half of the table despite being on a very bad run. They haven’t won in their last four home games, but they drew three of them with only Arsenal conceding less goals on their own patch. They haven’t won in 10 games, but they drew five of them with no other team drawing more games and no other team in the bottom half of the table scoring more goals.

If he’s still a Bournemouth player for this game Antoine Semenyo is a very good choice for fantasy managers.

Arsenal won 4-1 at home to Villa in midweek and that victory increased their lead at the top of the table to four points. They won their last away game after failing to win the previous three with no other team conceding less goals on their travels and only Spurs taking more points. They have won their last four games with no other team conceding less goals and only City scoring more.

Arsenal’s defenders and keeper are very good choices for fantasy managers along with Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard with Declan Rice a good option too if he’s fit to play.

I think Arsenal will retain their position at the top of the table with another win in this game.

Prediction: 1-3

Sunday January 4

Leeds United v Manchester United 

12.30pm GMT, Elland Road, Leeds 

Leeds got a very good point in a 0-0 draw away to Liverpool on Thursday night to keep a seven point gap above the bottom three. They have taken seven points from their last three home games and they scored 10 goals in those games with no other team in the bottom half of the table scoring more goals on their own ground. They are unbeaten in six games, but they drew four of them and this is a game they want to win more than any other one.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the Leeds player to have for fantasy managers with Anton Stach a consideration too.

United could only draw 1-1 at home to bottom club Wolves on Tuesday night to remain in sixth place just three points off the top four. They lost their last away game after taking 11 points from their previous five, but no other team in the top half of the table has conceded more goals on the road. They have only won three of their last 10 games, but they drew five of them with no other team in the top half of the table conceding more goals.

With Bruno Fernandes out it’s difficult to see any United players worth having for fantasy managers at the moment.

I think Leeds will continue their good run at home with another win in this game.

Prediction: 2-1

Everton v Brentford 

3pm GMT, Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool 

Everton won 2-0 away to Forest on Tuesday night and that win moved them back up to eighth place. They have lost two of their last three home games with only three other teams scoring less goals on their own patch. They had only taken one point from three games before beating Forest with only two other teams scoring less goals.

Everton’s defenders and keeper are all looking like good options for fantasy managers at the moment.

Brentford drew 0-0 at home to Spurs on Thursday night and that point was enough to keep them in the top half of the table on goal difference. They won their last away game after losing seven of the previous eight with only three other teams scoring less goals on their travels. They have taken eight points from their last four games, but four of their next six games are away from home.

Igor Thiago remains the best choice in the Brentford team for fantasy managers despite his recent dip in returns.

I think Everton will have the edge on home territory in a close game.

Prediction: 2-1

Fulham v Liverpool 

3pm GMT, Craven Cottage, London 

Fulham drew 1-1 away to Palace on Thursday night and they’re only outside the top half of the table on goal difference. They won their last home game after losing the previous three and this is the first of two very difficult games in a row. They have taken 10 points from their last four games, but five of their next nine games are against big six teams.

Harry Wilson and Raul Jiminez are the in form Fulham players for fantasy managers to consider.

Liverpool could only draw 0-0 at home to Leeds in midweek and they’re now 12 points behind Arsenal at the top of the table, but they’re still in the top four. They have taken seven points from their last three away games after losing the previous four with only one other team in the top half of the table conceding more goals on the road. They are unbeaten in seven games, but only one other team in the top half of the table has conceded more goals.

Hugo Ekitike is the Liverpool player most likely to make a difference for fantasy managers at the moment.

I think this will be a very close game and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the points shared.

Prediction: 1-1

Newcastle United v Crystal Palace 

3pm GMT, St. James’s Park, Newcastle 

Newcastle won 3-1 away to Burnley on Tuesday night and they’re now only one point off the top half of the table. They have taken 14 points from their last six home games and they have a good run of games on their own patch coming up. The win against Burnley was their first win in four games and their next three games are all ones they will think they can win.

Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon are the Newcastle players most likely to do well for fantasy managers at the moment.

Palace drew 1-1 at home to Fulham on Thursday night and that point just about kept them in the top half of the table on goal difference. They lost their last away game after winning the previous three with only Arsenal conceding less goals on their travels. They have only taken one point from their last four games and they conceded nine goals in those games, but they have a tough run of games coming up starting with this one.

I’m not sure there are any Palace players doing enough to make a difference for fantasy managers at the moment.

I think Newcastle will get the three points they need to move into the top half of the table in this game.

Prediction: 3-1

Tottenham Hotspur v Sunderland 

3pm GMT, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London 

Spurs drew 0-0 away to Brentford on Thursday night and they’re now within one point of the top half of the table. They have only won once in their last eight home games with only two other teams taking less points on their own ground and only three other teams scoring less goals. They have only won two of their last 10 games and they need to change that soon or there could be managerial repercussions.

Spurs recent defensive record suggests their defenders and keeper could be good options for fantasy managers.

Sunderland got a very good point in a 0-0 draw at home to City in midweek, but they will fall behind Spurs on goal difference if they lose this game. They haven’t won in their last four away games with no other team scoring less goals on the road. They have only won once in their last six games, but they drew four of them with no other team drawing more games.

Sunderland’s defenders and keeper are all good choices for fantasy managers along with Granit Xhaka.

I think Spurs might just make home advantage pay in a tight game.

Prediction: 2-1

Manchester City v Chelsea 

5.30pm GMT, Etihad Stadium, Manchester 

City drew 0-0 away to Sunderland on Thursday night to leave themselves four points behind Arsenal at the top of the table. They have won their last eight home games with only Arsenal scoring more and conceding less goals on their own patch. They had won six games in a row before drawing with Sunderland with no other team scoring more goals and only Arsenal conceding less.

Erling Haaland remains the best choice in the City team for fantasy managers, but all of their defenders and keeper are looking good at the moment too along with Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden.

Chelsea drew 2-2 at home to Bournemouth on Tuesday night to leave them in fifth place and they parted ways with their manager on Thursday. They have only taken two points from their last three away games with only two other teams conceding less goals on their travels. They have only won once in their last seven games with only three other teams scoring more goals.

Pedro Neto looks like the best bet in the Chelsea team for fantasy managers at the moment with Joao Pedro impressing too.

I think City will be too good at home and should win this game by a couple of goals.

Prediction: 3-1

That’s it for this week.

See you next week.

Predictions For Premier League Gameweek 19

​it’s that time of the week again when I attempt to predict the outcomes of the upcoming Premier League games. I didn’t have the best week last week with just one perfect prediction, three correct outcomes and six incorrect outcomes which saw me lose even more ground in my predictions league. Here’s a look at how the top five in that league stands.

Pos  Player               Res    Cls    Exa    Slm    Pts

1.     SeniorBurger      21     81     60      13     175

2.     Gooners              25    66      69      10     170

3.     Murray1886        28    67.5   60      13     168.5

4.      andy                   25    76.5   54       11    166.5

5.      robbieg               29    75      48       13    165

I didn’t do well with my fantasy team either, but at least my decision to go with Hugo Ekitike as my captain paid off to some extent. Michael Keane and Declan Rice were the only other players to get me any points and I have to hope I do a lot better this week. 

The chances are Ekitike will be my captain again this week with a home game against Wolves and I’m going to resist the temptation to make any changes to my squad. With the games coming thick and fast it’s difficult to know how squad rotation will affect my team, but I’m hoping for the best.

Tuesday December 30

Burnley v Newcastle United 

7.30pm GMT, Turf Moor, Burnley 

Burnley drew 0-0 at home to Everton on Saturday to stay one place off the foot of the table and six points from safety. They drew their last home game after losing the previous four with no other team scoring less goals on their own ground. They have drawn their last two games after losing the previous seven with only three other teams scoring less goals.

I can’t see any Burnley players doing enough to recommend them to fantasy managers at the moment.

Newcastle lost 1-0 away to United on Friday to leave them in 14th place and three points off the top half of the table. They have only won once in their nine away games with only three other teams scoring less goals on the road. They have only one once in their last five games, but they have a very good run of games coming up.

Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes and Nick Woltemade are the Newcastle players who can perform for fantasy managers.

I think Newcastle will manage their second away win of the season in a close game.

Prediction: 1-2

Chelsea v Bournemouth 

7.30pm GMT, Stamford Bridge, London 

Chelsea lost 2-1 at home to Villa at the weekend after taking the lead and that defeat saw them drop out of the top four. They have only won two of their last five home games, but they have a very good run of games coming up on their own patch. They have only won once in their last six games, but only three other teams have scored more goals and only the top two have conceded less.

The Chelsea defenders and keeper can all do well for fantasy managers along with Pedro Neto and Joao Pedro.

Bournemouth lost 4-1 away to Brentford on Saturday, but they still have nine points to spare over the bottom three. They haven’t won in their last seven away games with no other team conceding more goals on their travels, but only City and Chelsea scoring more. They haven’t won in nine games, but they drew four of them with no other team drawing more games.

Antoine Semenyo is still the Bournemouth player to have for fantasy managers, but he could be on the move before too long.

I think Chelsea will bounce back from their defeat against Villa by taking all the points in this game.

Prediction: 3-1

Nottingham Forest v Everton 

7.30pm GMT, City Ground, Nottingham 

Forest lost 2-1 at home to City on Saturday to leave them one place and five points above the relegation zone. They have lost two of their last three home games with only two other teams conceding more goals on their own ground. They have lost three of their last four games with only Wolves scoring less goals.

I’m still not sure there are any Forest players doing enough to interest fantasy managers.

Everton drew 0-0 away to Burnley at the weekend, but it wasn’t enough to keep them in the top half of the table. They have only taken one point from their last two away games after winning the previous two with only three other teams scoring less goals on the road. They have only taken one point from their last three games with only Wolves scoring less goals, but they don’t play any of the big six in their next eight games.

Everton’s defenders and keeper are very good choices for fantasy managers.

I think this will be a close game with the points being shared.

Prediction: 1-1

West Ham United v Brighton And Hive Albion

7.30pm GMT, London Stadium, London 

West Ham lost 1-0 at home to Fulham on Saturday to leave them in the relegation zone and five points adrift of safety. They have lost their last three home games with only Wolves conceding more goals on their own patch. They haven’t won in seven games with only Wolves conceding more goals and three other teams scoring less.

Despite West Ham’s poor results Jarrod Bowen can still do well for fantasy managers.

Brighton lost 2-1 away to Arsenal at the weekend and that defeat saw them drop into the bottom half of the table. They have only won once in their last six away games and their next game on the road after this one is against City. They haven’t won in five games, but their next two games are both against teams in the relegation zone starting with this one.

Yankuba Minteh is the Brighton player who can do well for fantasy managers.

I think Brighton will pile even more pressure on West Ham by winning this game.

Prediction: 1-2

Arsenal v Aston Villa 

8.15pm GMT, Emirates Stadium, London 

Arsenal won 2-1 at home to Brighton on Saturday to remain two points clear at the top of the table. No other team has taken more points at home with only City scoring more goals on their own ground and no other team conceding less. They have won their last three games and no other team has conceded less goals, but they play two of the other top four teams in their next three games.

The Arsenal defenders and keeper can all do well for fantasy managers along with Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice.

Villa came from behind to win 2-1 away to Chelsea at the weekend to leave them just three points behind Arsenal going into this game. They have won their last four away games and they scored 11 goals in those games, but they have some very difficult games on the road coming up. They have won 12 of their last 13 games and they won at home to Arsenal only a few weeks ago.

Morgan Rogers is the Villa player to have for fantasy managers.

This is a huge game for both teams and I think Arsenal should be good enough to take all three points.

Prediction: 2-1

Manchester United v Wolverhampton Wanderers 

8.15pm GMT, Old Trafford, Manchester 

United won 1-0 at home to Newcastle on Friday to move up to sixth place and stay within three points of the top four. They won their last home game after failing to win the previous three with only three other teams scoring more goals on their own patch. They have only lost twice in their last 12 games with only the top two scoring more goals.

With Bruno Fernandes still injured Matheus Cunha could be the United player to perform for fantasy managers.

Wolves lost 2-1 away to Liverpool on Saturday to remain rooted to the foot of the table and they’re now 16 points from safety. They’re the only team without an away win with no other team scoring less goals on their travels. They have lost their last 11 games with no other team scoring less or conceding more goals.

I can’t see any Wolves players to recommend to fantasy managers at the moment.

I can’t see anything other than a comfortable United victory in this game.

Prediction: 3-1

Thursday January 1

Crystal Palace v Fulham 

5.30pm GMT, Selhurst Park, London 

Palace lost 1-0 at home to Spurs on Sunday, but they just about held on to their place in the top half of the table. They have only taken one point from their last four home games with only two other teams scoring less goals on their own ground. They have lost their last three games and they conceded eight goals in those games.

The Palace defenders and keeper have been very good choices for fantasy managers until recently.

Fulham won 1-0 away to West Ham on Saturday and those three points moved them into the top half of the table and behind Palace on goal difference going into this game. They have won their last three away games after losing the previous five with only three other teams conceding more goals on the road. They have won six of their last nine games, but they have same tough games coming up.

Harry Wilson is the best bet in the Fulham team for fantasy managers while Raul Jiminez, Joachim Anderson and Antonee Robinson have looked good in recent games too.

This is a difficult game to predict, but I have a feeling the points will be shared.

Prediction: 1-1

Liverpool v Leeds United 

5.30pm GMT, Anfield, Liverpool 

Liverpool won 2-1 at home to Wolves on Saturday and that victory moved them into the top four, but they’re still 10 points off the top of the table. They have taken seven points from their last three home games after losing two of the previous three and their next three games on their own patch are all against teams in the bottom half of the table. They have taken 14 points from their last six games after losing six of the previous seven.

Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz are the Liverpool players looking the most likely to perform for fantasy managers at the moment.

Leeds came from behind to draw 1-1 away to Sunderland on Sunday which left them two places and seven points above the relegation zone. They drew their last two away games after losing the previous four with only Bournemouth and Burnley conceding more goals on their travels. They have taken nine points from their last five games after losing the previous four, but they have some very difficult games coming up.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is in fantastic form for fantasy managers at the moment with Anton Stach worth considering too.

I think Liverpool will strengthen their position in the top four with another three points in this game.

Prediction: 3-1

Brentford v Tottenham Hotspur 

8pm GMT, Gtech Community Stadium, London 

Brentford won 4-1 at home to Brighton on Saturday and that win moved them up to eighth place. Only the top three have taken points at home with only City and Arsenal scoring more goals on their own ground. They have taken seven points from their last three games after losing three of the previous four.

Igor Thiago still looks like the best of the Brentford players for fantasy managers with Kevin Schade a possibility too.

Spurs won 1-0 away to Palace on Sunday and they’re now only one point and one place off the top half of the table. They have only won once in their last four away games, but no other team has taken more points on the road. The win against Palace was only their second win in nine games with no other team in the bottom half of the table scoring more goals.

Spurs have a great run of games coming up which should make Micky van de Ven, Mohammed Kudus and Richarlison attractive to fantasy managers.

This is another tough game to call, but I think Brentford will get the better of a very close game.

Prediction: 2-1

Sunderland v Manchester City 

8pm GMT, Stadium of Light, Sunderland 

Sunderland drew 1-1 at home to Leeds on Sunday which saw them drop to seventh place. They’re one of two teams still unbeaten at home with no other team drawing more games on their own patch. They have only won two of their last nine games, but they drew five of them with only the top two conceding less goals.

Sunderland’s defenders and keeper are very good options for fantasy managers, but maybe not in this game with Granit Xhaka a good choice too.

City won 2-1 away to Forest on Saturday to remain two points behind Arsenal at the top of the table. They have won their last three away games after losing the previous two with no other team scoring more goals on their travels. They have won their last six games and they scored 19 goals in those games with no other team scoring more goals and only Arsenal conceding less.

Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki are the in form City players for fantasy managers with all of their defenders and keeper good options too along with Phil Foden and Tijjani Reijnders.

Sunderland put their unbeaten home record up against in form City in what looks like being a very close game and a draw is probably the most likely outcome.

Prediction: 1-1

That’s it for this week.

See you next week.

Predictions For Premier League Gameweek 18

​it’s that time of the week again when I attempt to predict the outcomes of the upcoming Premier League games. I did reasonably well last week with one perfect prediction, four correct outcomes and five incorrect outcomes which saw me stay in mid-table in my predictions league. Here’s a look at how the top five in that league stands.

Pos  Player              Res    Cls    Exa    Slm    Pts

1.    SeniorBurger    20      75      57     12     164

2.    andy                  23      73.5   54     11     161.5

3.    Gooners            23      61.5   66      9      159.5

4.    Murray1886      27      61.5   57     12     157.5

5.    Derek                29      66      45     13     153

I had a reasonable week with my fantasy team last week, but the injury to Bruno Fernandes was probably the main reason I dropped slightly in the overall standings to remain just outside the top 1% of players. Erling Haaland was my star player yet again as my captain while Declan Rice and Hugo Ekitike did well too, but I made serious errors in leaving Piero Hincapie on the bench and selling Nick Woltemade.

The chances are the armband will go to Ekitike this week with a home against Wolves, but it’s always a risk to take it from Haaland. I will have to find a replacement for the injured Fernandes too with Matheus Cunha a possibility given United’s upcoming fixtures. 

Friday December 26

Manchester United v Newcastle United 

8pm GMT, Old Trafford, Manchester 

United lost 2-1 away to Villa last week and that defeat saw them drop to seventh place. They have only taken two points from their last three home games after winning the previous four with only three other teams scoring more goals on their own ground, but only three other teams conceding more too. They have only won two of their last eight games, but they drew four of them with only City scoring more goals.

With Bruno Fernandes most likely injured Matheus Cunha is the United player of most interest to fantasy managers.

Newcastle led 2-0 at home to Chelsea last week, but they had to settle for a 2-2 draw which meant they stayed in the bottom half of the table. They have only won once in their eight away games with only three other teams scoring less goals on the road. They have only won once in their last four games with no other team in the bottom half of the table conceding less goals.

Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade are the Newcastle players who can make a real impression for fantasy managers.

I think United will just about get the better of a very close game.

Prediction: 2-1

Saturday December 27

Nottingham Forest v Manchester City 

12.30pm GMT, City Ground, Nottingham 

Forest lost 1-0 away to Fulham last week which saw them drop to one place above the relegation zone, but they have five points to spare. They have only lost once in their last four home games, but they have some very tough home games coming up starting with this one. They have won four of their last seven games after failing to win the previous nine with only Wolves scoring less goals.

I’m still not sure there are any Forest players doing enough to recommend them to fantasy managers.

City won 3-0 at home to West Ham last week to stay in second place just two points behind Arsenal. They have won their last two away games after losing the previous two with no other team scoring more goals on their travels. They have won their last five games and they scored 17 goals in those games with no other team scoring more goals and only Arsenal conceding less.

Erling Haaland is an absolute must have for fantasy managers while City’s defenders, Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki are very good choices too.

Forest will make life difficult for City, but I think the away team will take the three points in this game.

Prediction: 0-2

Arsenal v Brighton And Hove Albion 

3pm GMT, Emirates Stadium, London

Arsenal won 1-0 away to Everton last week to stay two points clear at the top of the table. They’re one of two teams still unbeaten at home with no other team conceding less goals on their own ground and only City scoring more. They have only lost once in their last 14 games with only City scoring more goals and no other team conceding less.

Arsenal’s defenders and keeper are very good choices for fantasy managers along with Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.

Brighton drew 0-0 at home to Sunderland last week and that point was enough to keep them in the top half of the table. They have only won once in their last five away games and they play the top two in two of their next three games on the road starting with this one. They have only taken two points from their last four games and their next two opponents after this game are both in the bottom three.

I can’t see any Brighton players doing enough at the moment to interest fantasy managers.

I think Arsenal will remain on top of the table with a narrow victory in this game.

Prediction: 2-1

Brentford v Bournemouth 

3pm GMT, Gtech Community Stadium, London 

Brentford won 2-0 away to Wolves last week and they’re now only one point off the top half of the table. They have only lost one of their eight home games with only three other teams scoring more goals on their own patch. The win against Wolves was their first win in four games and their next two games are against teams below them in the table starting with this one.

Igor Thiago has been the Brentford player to have for fantasy managers, but the goals have dried up in recent weeks.

Bournemouth drew 1-1 at home to Burnley last week and they’re only one point behind Brentford going into this game. They have only taken three points from their last six away games with only Burnley conceding more goals on their travels, but only two other teams scoring more. They haven’t won in eight games, but they drew four of them with no other team drawing more games.

Antoine Semenyo and Marcus Tavernier are the Bournemouth players who can make a difference for fantasy managers.

I think this is a difficult game to call and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the spoils shared.

Prediction: 1-1

Burnley v Everton 

3pm GMT, Turf Moor, Burnley 

Burnley scored a very late goal to draw 1-1 away to Bournemouth last week, but they’re still one place off the foot of the table and seven points from safety. They have lost their last four home games with no other team scoring less goals on their own patch. They had lost seven games in a row before drawing with Bournemouth with only two other teams scoring less and conceding more goals.

I can’t see any Burnley players to recommend to fantasy managers at the moment.

Everton lost 1-0 at home to Arsenal last week, but they managed to hold on to their spot in the top half of the table. They lost their last away game after winning the previous three and their next two games on their travels are against teams in the bottom four. They have lost their last two games after winning four of the previous five, but only two other teams have scored less goals.

Everton’s defenders and keeper are all good options for fantasy managers.

I think Everton will bounce back from the defeat against Arsenal to get a victory in this game.

Prediction: 0-1

Liverpool v Wolverhampton Wanderers 

3pm GMT, Anfield, Liverpool 

Liverpool won 2-1 away to Spurs last week and those three points moved them up to fifth place. They won their last home game after failing to win the previous three and their next three games on their own patch are all against teams in the bottom five. They have taken 11 points from their last five games after losing six of the previous seven.

Hugo Ekitike is the Liverpool player most likely to do well for fantasy managers at the moment.

Wolves lost 2-0 at home to Brentford last week to to leave them rooted to the foot of the table. They’re the only team without an away win with no other team scoring less goals on their travels. They’re the only team without a win with no other team scoring less or conceding more goals and relegation seems a certainty despite the season not even being half way through.

I can’t see any Wolves players that can make a difference for fantasy managers.

I can’t see anything other than a comfortable Liverpool victory in this game.

Prediction: 3-0

West Ham United v Fulham 

3pm GMT, London Stadium, London 

West Ham lost 3-0 away to City last week which saw them stay in the bottom three and left them five points from safety. They have lost six of their eight home games with only Wolves taking less points and conceding more goals on their own ground. They have only taken three points from their last six games and they conceded 12 goals in those games with only Wolves conceding more goals.

Jarrod Bowen is the only West Ham player for fantasy managers to consider.

Fulham won 1-0 at home to Forest last week and they’re now only one point off the top half of the table. They have won their last two away games after only taking one point from the previous six with only three other teams conceding more goals on the road. They have won five of their last eight games and they scored 16 goals in those games.

Harry Wilson is the Fulham player most likely to return points for fantasy managers.

I think West Ham might just manage a badly needed victory in a close game.

Prediction: 2-1

Chelsea v Aston Villa 

5.30pm GMT, Stamford Bridge, London 

Chelsea came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 away to Newcastle last week and that point was enough to keep them in the top four. They have taken seven points from their last three home games with only three other teams conceding less goals on their own patch. They have only won once in their last five games, but they drew three of them with only the top two conceding less goals.

Trevoh Chalobah and Pedro Neto are the best of the Chelsea players for fantasy managers with Cole Palmer a possibility too.

Villa won 2-1 at home to United last week to remain in third place just three points behind the leaders Arsenal. They have won four of their last five away games, but this is the first of two very difficult games on their travels in four days. They have won 11 of their last 12 games, but they have only kept five clean sheets in their 17 games.

Morgan Rogers is in fantastic form for fantasy managers at the moment with Matty Cash worth considering too.

This is a huge game for two teams hoping to challenge for the title and I think a draw is the most likely outcome.

Prediction: 2-2

Sunday December 28

Sunderland v Leeds United 

2pm GMT, Stadium of Light, Sunderland 

Sunderland drew 0-0 away to Brighton last week and that point saw them move up to seventh place in the table. They’re one of two teams still unbeaten at home with only Bournemouth and Palace drawing more games on their own ground. They have only lost twice in their last 10 games with only the top two conceding less goals.

The Sunderland defenders and keeper are good choices for fantasy managers along with Granit Xhaka.

Leeds won 4-1 at home to Palace last week and that win moved them six points clear of the relegation zone. They drew their last away game after losing the previous four with only three other teams scoring less goals on the road. They have taken eight points and scored 11 goals in their last four games after losing the previous four with only the bottom three conceding more goals.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is in great form for fantasy managers at the moment with Anton Stach doing well too.

I think Sunderland will continue their impressive home form by taking the three points in this game.

Prediction: 1-0

Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur 

4.30pm GMT, Selhurst Park, London 

Palace lost 4-1 away to Leeds last week and that defeat saw them drop to eighth in the table. They have only won two of their eight home games with only two other teams scoring less goals on their own patch. They have lost their last two games and they conceded seven goals in those games as their very busy schedule looks to be taking a toll.

The Palace defenders and keeper had been good options for fantasy managers until last week and I think they will be again.

Spurs lost 2-1 at home to Liverpool last week and they had two men sent off in the process which saw them drop to 14th place, but they’re only two points off the top half of the table. They have taken one point from their last three away games after taking 13 in the previous five with only two other teams scoring more goals on their travels. They have only won once in their last eight games, but no other team in the bottom half of the table has scored more goals.

It’s difficult to recommend any Spurs players to fantasy managers at the moment, but Mohammed Kudus is probably the one most likely to impress.

I think Palace will prove to be strong enough at home to take all the points in this game.

Prediction: 2-1

That’s it for this week.

See you next week.

Predictions For Premier League Gameweek 17

​it’s that time of the week again when I attempt to predict the outcomes of the upcoming Premier League games. I had yet another bad week last week with no perfect predictions, four correct outcomes and six incorrect outcomes which saw me slide even further down the table in my predictions league. Here’s a look at how the top five in that league stands.

Pos  Player                 Res    Cls    Exa   Slm   Pts

1.     Senior Burger     20      69      51      11     151

2.     andy                    22      69      48      10    149

3.     Derek                  28      64.5   39      13    144.5

4.     Gooners              22      57      57       8     144

5.     Murray1886        27      57      48      11    143

I didn’t have the greatest week with my fantasy team in what was a very high scoring week for most managers and I slipped to just outside the top 1% overall. It could have been a lot worse, but I was rescued by my captain on Monday night when Bruno Fernandes showed why he’s an essential pick at the moment. The other players to return points for me were Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, Trevoh Chalobah and Piero Hincapie.

I still have three free transfers to use and I’m looking at Bukayo Saka, Jarrod Bowen, Harry Wilson and maybe an Everton defender. I can’t see anyone better than Haaland for the armband this week, but I suppose Phil Foden, Antoine Semenyo and Hugo Ekitike could all do very well too.

Saturday December 20

Newcastle United v Chelsea 

12.30pm GMT, Stadium. James’s Park, Newcastle 

Newcastle lost 1-0 away to fierce rivals Sunderland last week and that defeat left them in the bottom half of the table. They have taken 13 points from their last five home games and they scored 10 goals in those games. They had taken 10 points from four games before losing to Sunderland and they have a good run of games coming up in a couple of weeks.

Bruno Guimaraes is the Newcastle player to have for fantasy managers at the moment with Anthony Gordon worth considering too.

Chelsea won 2-0 at home to Everton last week and that victory moved them back into the top four. They have only taken one point from their last two away games, but only Palace have taken more points on the road and no other team has scored more goals. The win against Everton was their first win in four games and they have to play two of the teams above them in their next four games.

Trevoh Chalobah and Pedro Neto are the best of the Chelsea players for fantasy managers while their keeper, the rest of their defenders and Cole Palmer are good options too.

I think this will be a very close game and Newcastle might just make home advantage pay.

Prediction: 2-1

Bournemouth v Burnley 

3pm GMT, Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth 

Bournemouth came from behind and led at various times in a crazy 4-4 draw away to United last week and that point meant they stayed in the bottom half of the table. They haven’t won in their last three home games, but only Arsenal have conceded less goals on their own patch. They haven’t won in seven games and they conceded 17 goals in those games with only the bottom four conceding more goals.

Antoine Semenyo and Marcus Tavernier are the Bournemouth players of interest to fantasy managers.

Burnley lost 3-2 at home to Fulham last week and that defeat left them one place off the foot of the table as well as six points from safety. They have lost seven of their eight away games with only Wolves taking less points on their travels and no other team conceding more goals. They have lost their last seven games and they conceded 16 goals in those games with only Wolves conceding more goals.

I’m not sure there are any Burnley players doing enough to recommend them to fantasy managers at the moment.

I think Bournemouth will get a badly needed win in this game with a couple of goals to spare.

Prediction: 2-0

Brighton And Hove Albion v Sunderland 

3pm GMT, AMEX Stadium, Brighton 

Brighton lost 2-0 away to Liverpool last week, but they managed to just about stay in the top half of the table. They have only taken one point from their last two home games after being unbeaten in the previous six with only four other teams conceding more goals on their own ground. They have only taken one point from their last three games after taking 10 in the previous four.

Yankuba Minteh and Danny Welbeck have been the best performing players in the Brighton team for fantasy managers, but neither have them have done much in the last few weeks.

Sunderland won 1-0 at home to Newcastle last week and that win saw them move to within two points of the top four. They have only taken one point from their last three away games with only Wolves scoring less goals on the road. They have only won twice in their last seven games and Everton are the only team in the top half of the table to have scored less goals.

Sunderland’s defenders and keeper are doing very well for fantasy managers along with Granit Xhaka.

I don’t think there will be too much between these two teams, but Brighton might just shade it.

Prediction: 2-1

Manchester City v West Ham United 

3pm GMT, Etihad Stadium, Manchester 

City won 3-0 away to Palace last week to remain two points behind Arsenal at the top of the table. They have won their last seven home games and they scored 22 goals in those games with no other team scoring more goals on their own patch and only Arsenal taking more points. They have won their last four games and they scored 14 goals in those games with no other team scoring more goals.

Erling Haaland and Phil Foden are must haves for fantasy managers at the moment with all of their defenders and Rayan Cherki good choices too.

West Ham lost 3-2 at home to Villa last week despite leading twice and they remain in the relegation zone with a three point gap to the safety of 17th place. They have only lost two of their last seven away games, but they drew four of them with no other team drawing more games on their travels. They haven’t won in five games with only the two teams below them conceding more goals.

Despite West Ham’s lowly position Jarrod Bowen is still a good option for fantasy managers.

I can’t see anything other than a comfortable City victory in this game.

Prediction: 3-1

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Brentford 

3pm GMT, Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton 

Wolves conceded a last gasp goal to lose 2-1 away to table topping Arsenal last week and they’re still rooted to the foot of the table. They’re the only team without a home win with no other team scoring less or conceding more goals on their own ground. They’re the only team without a win with no other conceding more or scoring less goals.

I can’t see any Wolves players to recommend to fantasy managers at the moment.

Brentford conceded a late goal to draw 1-1 at home to Leeds last week which saw them drop to 15th place, but they’re still only three points off the top half of the table. They have lost seven of their eight away games with only two other teams scoring less goals on the road. They have only taken one point from their last three games, but they have a good run of games coming up starting with this one.

Igor Thiago is the Brentford player to have for fantasy managers even if he hasn’t produced in his last three games.

I think Brentford might just manage a rare away victory in this game.

Prediction: 1-2

Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool 

5.30pm GMT, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London 

Spurs lost 3-0 away to Forest last week and that defeat meant they stayed in the bottom half of the table. They won their last home game after failing to win the previous six with only the bottom three taking less points on their own patch. They have only won once in their last seven games, but no other team in the bottom half of the table has scored more goals.

Mohammed Kudus remains the best option in the Spurs team for fantasy managers.

Liverpool won 2-0 at home to Brighton last week and that victory moved them within two points of the top four. They have taken four points from their last two away games after losing the previous four with no other team in the top half of the table conceding more goals on their travels. They have taken eight points from their last four games after losing six of the previous seven and seven of their next eight games are against teams in the bottom half of the table starting with this one.

Hugo Ekitike looks like he could be the Liverpool player to have for fantasy managers at the moment.

This is a difficult game to call, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see it end in a draw.

Prediction: 1-1

Everton v Arsenal 

8pm GMT, Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool 

Everton lost 2-0 away to Chelsea last week, but they’re still in the top half of the table. They have won four of their eight home games and their next four home games after this are against teams in the bottom half of the table. They have won four of their last six games and they kept clean sheets in each of those victories, but no other team in the top half of the table has scored less goals.

If he’s fit to play Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is a great choice for fantasy managers with Jordan Pickford, Michael Keane, James Tarkowski and Jack Grealish good options too.

Arsenal left it very late to score their winner in a 2-1 victory at home to Wolves last week which kept them two points clear at the top of the table. They haven’t won in their last three away games with only Palace conceding less goals on the road. They have only won three of their last six games, but no other team has conceded less goals and only City have scored more.

Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are doing very well for fantasy managers with the Arsenal defenders and keeper good choices too.

I think this will be a very close game with Arsenal probably winning by one goal.

Prediction: 1-2

Leeds United v Crystal Palace 

8pm GMT, Elland Road, Leeds 

Leeds scored late on to draw 1-1 away to Brentford last week and that point moved them three points clear of the bottom three. They have taken seven points from their last four home games, but they have some difficult games coming up on their own patch. They have taken five points from their last three games after losing the previous four with only the bottom three conceding more goals.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the in form Leeds player for fantasy managers to consider.

Palace lost 3-0 at home to City last week and that defeat saw them fall to fifth place. They have won their last three away games with no other team taking more points or conceding less goals on their travels. The loss against City was only their second defeat in seven games with only Arsenal conceding less goals.

The Palace defenders and keeper are very good options for fantasy managers.

I think Leeds might just have enough on their own ground to get a point in this game.

Prediction: 1-1

Sunday December 21

Aston Villa v Manchester United 

4.30pm GMT, Villa Park, Birmingham 

Villa twice came from behind to win 3-2 away to Wolves last week and that win left them in third place just three points off the top of the table. They have won their last six home games and they scored 13 goals in those games with only the two teams above them taking more points on their own ground. They have won 10 of their last 11 games and their next three games will be a huge test of their title hopes starting with this one.

Morgan Rogers and Matty Cash are the Villa players most likely to do well for fantasy managers.

United drew 4-4 at home to Brentford last week in a game that swung both ways throughout and they’re only two points behind the top four. They have taken 11 points from their last five away games and their next two away games after this one are against teams in the bottom four. They have only lost one of their last 10 games with only City scoring more goals, but no other team in the top half of the table conceding more.

Bruno Fernandes is the United player who’s making himself a must have for fantasy managers.

I think Villa will continue their impressive run with a narrow victory in this game. 

Prediction: 2-1

Monday December 22

Fulham v Nottingham Forest 

8pm GMT, Craven Cottage, London

Fulham won 3-2 away to Burnley last week to move up to 14th in the table. They have lost their last two home games after only losing one of the previous six and they have two very tough home games after this one. They have won four of their last seven games and their next two games are against teams below them in the table starting with this one.

Harry Wilson is the Fulham player to have for fantasy managers at the moment.

Forest won 3-0 at home to Spurs last week and that win moved them five points clear of the relegation zone. They have won two of their last three away games after failing to win the previous five with only two other teams scoring less goals on their travels. They have won four of their last six games and they scored 10 goals in those games, but only Wolves have scored less goals.

I’m still not sure there are any Forest players doing enough on a consistent basis to interest fantasy managers.

This is a game which could go either way, but I think Fulham might just shade it.

Prediction: 2-1

That’s it for this week.

See you next week.