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 didn’t do well last week with no perfect predictions, three correct outcomes and seven incorrect outcomes which saw me drop to third place in my predictions league. Here’s a look at how the top five in that league stands.

Rank	Player	Res	Cls	Exa	Slm	Pts
1 -	Gooners	34	43.5	60	11	148.5
2 1	Cole	28	46.5	60	10	144.5
3 1	JamrockRover	25	69	39	11	144.0
4 2	TeeBee	30	52.5	45	11	138.5
5 1	SammyW	27	57	42	11	137.0

My fantasy team didn’t have the greatest week last week, but I moved up in the overall standings as it was a fairly low scoring week all round. Mohamed Salah got me some points as always at the moment and he was assisted by David Raya, Gabriel Magalhaes and Matheus Cunha. I have a few players underperforming at the moment, but I will have to leave any transfers until late with Cunha facing an FA charge.

My choice of Salah as my captain paid off to some degree last week as he managed an assist and his main rivals for the armband did little to write home about. I will be going with him again this week as I think Liverpool can get some joy away to Spurs. Otherwise both Enzo Fernandez and Amad Diallo are looking like very good cut price options for fantasy managers looking to save some money for bigger purchases.

Saturday December 21

Aston Villa v Manchester City 

12.30pm GMT, Villa Park, Birmingham 

Villa lost 2-1 to a very late goal away to Forest last week after leading 1-0, but they are still only three points off the top four. They are unbeaten in their last seven home games and three of their next four games are on their own ground. They have only won twice in their last eight games with no other team in the top half of the table conceding more goals.

Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers are still the best of the bunch in the Villa team for fantasy managers.

City conceded two late goals to lose 2-1 at home to United last week and that defeat saw them drop out of the top four. They have only taken one point from their last four away games and they conceded eight goals in those games. They have only taken four points from their last seven games and they conceded 14 goals in those games, but they have a very good run of games coming up.

It’s difficult to justify the price of Erling Haaland for fantasy managers, but he could do well over the next few weeks along with Kevin de Bruyne and Josko Gvardiol.

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

Prediction: 1-1

Brentford v Nottingham Forest 

3pm GMT, Gtech Community Stadium, London 

Brentford lost 2-1 away to Chelsea last week and that defeat saw them drop into the bottom half of the table. No other team has taken more points or scored more goals on their own patch, but only three other teams have conceded more goals at home. Brentford’s up and down form has continued as the contrast between their home and away results are so vast, but only three other teams have scored more goals.

Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa are the Brentford players to have for fantasy managers with Nathan Collins performing well at home too.

Forest came from behind to win 2-1 at home to Villa last week and that win moved them back into the top four. Only two other teams have taken more points away from home despite Forest conceding more goals than they have scored on their travels. They have taken 18 points from their last nine games, but no other team in the top half of the table has scored less goals.

Chris Wood is the Forest player to have for fantasy managers with their defenders and keeper possibilities too.

I think Brentford will continue their fine home record with another win in this game.

Prediction: 3-2

Ipswich Town v Newcastle United 

3pm GMT, Portman Road, Ipswich 

Ipswich got their second away win of the season last week when they beat fellow strugglers Wolves 2-1, but it wasn’t enough to get them out of the relegation zone. They’re the only team without a home win with no other team drawing more games or scoring less goals on their own ground. They have a tough run of games coming up and only two other teams have scored less goals.

I can’t see any Ipswich players doing enough on a consistent basis to recommend them to fantasy managers.

Newcastle won 4-0 at home to Leicester last week and they’re only outside the top half of the table on goal difference. They have only won once in their last six away games, but three of their next four games on the road are against teams in the bottom half of the table. The win against Leicester was their first win in five games and they have a very good run of fixtures coming up.

Alexander Isak is the Newcastle player to have for fantasy managers with Anthony Gordon doing well recently too.

I think Ipswich will make it difficult for Newcastle, but the points will go to the away team.

Prediction: 1-2

West Ham United v Brighton And Hove Albion 

3pm GMT. London Stadium, London 

West Ham drew 1-1 away to Bournemouth last week and they’re now seven points above the bottom three and within four points of the top half of the table. They have taken 10 points from their last five home games, but only the bottom two have conceded more goals on their own patch. They have only won twice in their last seven games with only four other teams conceding more goals and they have some very difficult games coming up.

Jarrod Bowen is the West Ham player who can make a difference for fantasy managers.

Brighton lost 3-1 at home to Palace last week and they’re now only one point above the bottom half of the table. They have only won once in their last four away games with only three other teams scoring more goals on their travels. They have only taken two points from their last four games and they conceded nine goals in those games with no other team in the top half of the table conceding more goals.

Joao Pedro and Kaoru Mitoma are both good choices for fantasy managers, but their points have dried up in recent weeks.

This is a tough game to call and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it end in a draw.

Prediction: 1-1

Crystal Palace v Arsenal 

5.30pm GMT, Selhurst Park, London 

Palace won 3-1 away to Brighton last week and that win moved them four points clear of the bottom three. They have only won once at home, but no other team has drawn more games or scored less goals on their own ground. They’re unbeaten in five games, but they drew four of them with no other team drawing more games.

Daniel Munoz is suspended for this game, but he could be the Palace player for fantasy managers to consider going forward.

Arsenal drew 0-0 at home to Everton last week and they failed to make up ground on Liverpool at the top of the table for the second game in a row. They have won once in their last six away games with only three other teams conceding less goals on the road. They are unbeaten in six games, but they drew three of them with only Liverpool conceding less goals.

Bukayo Saka is the Arsenal player to have for fantasy managers with their defenders and keeper very good choices too.

I think Palace will make things difficult for Arsenal, but the away team should triumph.

Prediction: 1-2

Sunday December 22

Everton v Chelsea 

2pm GMT, Goodison Park, Liverpool 

Everton drew 0-0 away to Arsenal last week, but they’re now only three points above the relegation zone. They have taken eight points from their last five home games and they kept clean sheets in three of those games, but only three other teams have scored less goals on their own patch. They have only lost two of their last 11 games, but they drew six of them with only Southampton scoring less goals.

Everton’s defenders and keeper are doing very well for fantasy managers at the moment despite having a difficult run of games.

Chelsea won 2-1 at home to Brentford last week to move within two points of Liverpool at the the top of the table, but they have played an extra game. No other team has taken more points or scored more goals away from home and their next three games on their travels are all against teams in the bottom six. They have won their last five games and they scored 15 goals in those games with no other team scoring more goals and only Liverpool and Arsenal conceding less.

Cole Palmer is the Chelsea player fantasy managers can’t do without while Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez are well worth having too.

I think Chelsea will continue their winning run with a narrow victory in this game.

Prediction: 1-2

Fulham v Southampton 

2pm GMT. Craven Cottage, London 

Fulham twice led away to 10 man Liverpool last week, but they had settle for a 2-2 draw which leaves them four points off the top four. Two of their next three home games are against teams in the bottom three which could help them to climb even further up the table. They have only lost once in their last eight games and they have a very good run of fixtures coming up.

Antonee Robinson is the Fulham player who should be of interest to fantasy managers at the moment with Alex Iwobi a possibility too.

Southampton lost 5-0 at home to Spurs last week to leave them firmly rooted to the foot of the table and that result cost Russel Martin his job. They’re one of two teams without an away win with no other team scoring less goals on the road. They have lost their last three games and they conceded 11 goals in those games with no other team scoring less goals and only Wolves conceding more.

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

I think Southampton’s woes will continue with Fulham winning this game by a few goals.

Prediction: 3-0

Leicester City v Wolverhampton Wanderers 

2pm GMT, King Power Stadium, Leicester 

Leicester lost 4-0 away to Newcastle last week and they’re now only two points above the relegation zone. They have taken four points from their last two home games and they scored five goals in those games. They have only won once in their last eight games with only the bottom two conceding more goals.

Jamie Vardy is the only Leicester player for fantasy managers to even consider picking.

Wolves lost 2-1 at home to Ipswich last week and that result left them one place off the bottom of the table and it saw Gary O’Neill lose his job too. They have lost their last two away games and they conceded six goals in those games with only Leicester conceding more goals on their travels. They have lost their last four games and they conceded 12 goals in those games with no other team conceding more goals.

With Matheus Cunha likely to suffer a ban it looks like Jorgen Strand Larsen could be the best option in the Wolves team for fantasy managers.

This is a huge game for two teams at the wrong end of the table and I think Leicester will make home advantage pay.

Prediction: 3-2

Manchester United v Bournemouth 

2pm GMT, Old Trafford, Manchester 

United came from behind to win 2-1 away to City last week and they’re now only one point off the top half of the table. They have taken 10 points from their last five home games and they scored 12 goals in those games. They had lost two games in a row before beating City, but they have a good run of games coming up with only Liverpool and Arsenal conceding less goals.

Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo are looking like very good options for fantasy managers at the moment with the United defenders and keeper worth keeping an eye on too.

Bournemouth drew 1-1 at home to West Ham last week and they’re only three points off the top four. They have won their last two away games and they scored six goals in those games, but they have a tough run of away games coming up. They have taken 10 points from their last four games and they will fancy their chances of getting something from this game too.

There are a few Bournemouth players who have done well for fantasy managers, but none of them are consistent enough to make a real difference.

I think this will be a very close game and the chances are the points will be shared.

Prediction: 1-1

Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool 

4.30pm GMT, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London 

Spurs cruised to a 5-0 victory away to Southampton last week and that win moved them back into the top half of the table on goal difference. They have only taken one point from their last three home games and they conceded seven goals in those games, but only Brentford have scored more goals on their own patch. The win against Southampton was their first win in four games, but only Chelsea have scored more goals.

Brennan Johnson, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Son Heung-Min can all do very well for fantasy managers.

Liverpool twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at home to Fulham last week after playing most of the game with 10 men and their lead at the top of the table has now been cut to two points. They’re the only team still unbeaten away from home with only Chelsea taking more points and scoring more goals on their travels. They have stayed on top of the table through a difficult run of games, but they have a good run after this game and no other team has conceded less goals.

Mohamed Salah is an absolute must have for fantasy managers with Diogo Jota plus their defenders and keeper well worth having too.

I think Liverpool should have too much in attack for Spurs and should win by a couple of goals.

Prediction: 1-3

That’s it for this week.

See you next week.

Predictions For Premier League Gameweek 16

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 no perfect predictions, four correct outcomes and six incorrect outcomes which saw me drop to second place in my predictions league. Here’s a look at how the top five in that league stands.

Rank	Player	Res	Cls	Exa	Slm	Pts
1	Gooners	32	42	60	11	145.0
2 1	JamrockRover	23	67.5	39	11	140.5
3 -	Cole	27	46.5	54	10	137.5
4 -	SammyW	26	55.5	42	11	134.5
5 -	hitch	31	45	48	9	133.0

I didn’t have a great week with my fantasy team either with just Cole Palmer and Yoane Wissa managing to do anything of note. Thankfully Wissa was my captain, but it would have been better if Palmer had the armband. My substitutions didn’t work either as my decision to sell Bryan Mbeumo backfired when he performed very well for Brentford.

Hopefully there won’t be a storm to cancel any matches this week and I can revert to having Mohammed Salah as my captain again. Bukayo Saka, Alexander Isak, Erling Haaland and Palmer all look like they could be good captaincy choices this week too. The chances are I won’t be making any transfers this week as I look to build up to using two or three at one time over the festive season.

Saturday December 14

Arsenal v Everton 

3pm GMT, Emirates Stadium, London 

Arsenal drew 1-1 away to Fulham last week to move within six points of Liverpool at the top of the table, but they have now played a game more. They’re one of three teams still unbeaten at home with only two other teams scoring more goals on their own ground. They have taken 10 points and scored 11 goals in their last four games with only three other teams scoring more goals and only Liverpool conceding less.

Bukayo Saka remains the Arsenal player of choice for fantasy managers with Arsenal’s defenders and keeper looking good at the moment too.

Everton didn’t play last week as their game was called off due to the weather, but they maintained their five point advantage over the bottom three. Only two other teams have taken less points away from home with only Southampton scoring less goals on the road. They won their last game after failing to win the previous five and only Southampton have scored less goals.

I can’t see any Everton players to recommend to fantasy managers at the moment as they have three very tough games in a row starting with this one.

I think Arsenal should be able to make home advantage pay by winning with a few goals to spare.

Prediction: 3-0

Liverpool v Fulham

3pm GMT, Anfield, Liverpool 

Liverpool didn’t play last week thanks to storm Darragh and they saw their lead at the top of the table cut to four points. They have won their last five home games and they kept clean sheets in three of those games with no other team conceding less goals on their own patch. They have taken 26 points from their last 10 games and they scored 22 goals in those games with no other team conceding less goals.

Mohamed Salah is an absolute must have for fantasy managers with all of their defenders and keeper very good options too.

Fulham drew 1-1 at home to Arsenal last week and that draw saw them drop to 10th place as four of the teams who were just below them won and overtook them. They have only lost once in their last six away games and that was away to the current champions with no other team conceding less goals on their travels. They have taken 12 points from their last seven games and they haven’t failed to score in their last 14 games, but this will be a very difficult game for them. 

Alex Iwobi is in very good form for fantasy managers at the moment with Antonee Robinson worth watching too.

I think Fulham will give their best, but Liverpool should win by a couple of goals.

Prediction: 3-1

Newcastle United v Leicester City 

3pm GMT, St. James’s Park, Newcastle 

Newcastle lost 4-2 away to Brentford last week and they’re now three points off the top half of the table. They have only won once in their last five home games with only three other teams scoring less goals on their own ground. They have only taken two points from their last four games and they conceded 10 goals in those games with only four other teams scoring less goals.

Alexander Isak is probably the only Newcastle player doing enough to interest fantasy managers at the moment.

Leicester scored two late goals to draw 2-2 at home to Brighton last week and that draw moved them five points clear of the relegation zone. They have lost their last two away games and they conceded seven goals in those games with only Wolves conceding more goals on the road. They have taken four points from their last two games after only taking one from the previous five, but only the bottom two have conceded more goals.

Jamie Vardy continues to defy the years for fantasy managers while Facundo Buonanotte is worth considering too.

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

Prediction: 3-1

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Ipswich Town

3pm GMT, Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton 

Wolves lost 2-1 away to West Ham last week to stay one place off the foot of the table. No other team has taken less points or conceded more goals on their own patch. They have lost their last three games and they conceded 10 goals in those games with no other team conceding more goals.

Despite their lowly position Matheus Cunha and Jorgen Strand Larsen are still good options for fantasy managers.

Ipswich conceded two very late goals to lose 2-1 at home to Bournemouth last week and they’re still in the bottom three with four points to make up on 17th place. They have taken five of their nine points away from home with only two other teams conceding more goals on their travels. They have lost their last three games and they only scored one goal in those games with only Southampton scoring less goals.

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

I think Wolves should have enough up front to win this relegation dogfight by a narrow margin.

Prediction: 2-1

Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa

5.30pm GMT, City Ground, Nottingham 

Forest won 3-2 away to United last week and that win moved them within two points of the top four. They have won three of their last four home games with only Liverpool conceding less goals on their own ground, but only three other teams scoring less. They have lost three of their last five games and they conceded 11 goals in those games with no other team in the top half of the table scoring less goals, but only Liverpool and Arsenal conceding less.

Chris Wood has been the Forest player to have for fantasy managers with their defenders and keeper impressing too.

Villa won 1-0 at home to Southampton last week and they’re only behind Forest on goal difference going into this game. They have lost their last three away games and they conceded nine goals in those games with only four other teams conceding more goals on the road. They have won their last two games after failing to win the previous five and Brentford are the only team in the top half of the table to have conceded more goals.

Both Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers are pretty good choices for fantasy managers.

I think this is a game which could go either way with a draw probably the most likely outcome.

Prediction: 1-1

Sunday December 15

Brighton And Hove Albion v Crystal Palace 

2pm GMT, AMEX Stadium, Brighton 

Brighton conceded two late goals to draw 2-2 away to Leicester last week and those dropped points saw them drop back to seventh place. They’re one of three teams unbeaten at home, but no other team has drawn more games on their own patch. They haven’t won in three games despite two of those games being against teams at the wrong end of the table, but they are in the middle of a very good run of fixtures.

Joao Pedro, Kaoru Mitoma and Gerorginio Rutter are all capable of returning points for fantasy managers.

Palace drew 2-2 at home to City last week after going ahead twice and they’re now four points above the bottom three. They have taken five points and scored five goals in their last three away games and they have a good run of games on their travels coming up. They’re unbeaten in four games, but they drew three of them with no other team drawing more games and only Southampton scoring less goals.

Daniel Munoz is the Palace player who has looked promising for fantasy managers in recent weeks.

I think this will be a very close game with Brighton probably wining by a slim margin.

Prediction: 2-1

Manchester City v Manchester United 

4.30pm GMT, Etihad Stadium, Manchester 

City twice came from behind to draw 2-2 away to Palace last week, but they’re now eight points behind Liverpool and they have played a game more than them. Despite their poor recent run they have still won three of their last four home games and it’s those home results which can keep them in touch with the leaders. They have only taken four points from their last six games and they conceded 12 goals in those games, but they have a very good run of games coming up.

Erling Haaland is still a good choice for fantasy managers with Kevin de Bruyne worth considering too.

United lost 3-2 at home to Forest last week and the new manager bounce doesn’t seem to be working as they’re still in the bottom half of the table. They have only won once away from home so far with only three other teams scoring less goals on the road, but no other team conceding less goals. They have lost their last two games and they conceded five goals in those games with only Liverpool and Arsenal conceding less goals.

Bruno Fernandes is still the United player of choice for fantasy managers.

I think City should be strong enough at home to get the better of their local rivals.

Prediction: 3-1

Chelsea v Brentford 

7pm GMT, Stamford Bridge, London 

Chelsea came back from 2-0 down to win 4-3 away to Spurs last week and that win moved them within four points of Liverpool at the top of the table, but they have played an extra game. They are unbeaten in six home games, but they have only taken 12 of their 31 points on their own ground as they have drawn three times. They have won their last four games and they scored 14 goals in those games with no other team scoring more goals and only Liverpool and Arsenal conceding less.

Cole Palmer is an absolute must have for fantasy managers at the moment with Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez worth having too.

Brentford won 4-2 at home to Newcastle last week and that win was enough to move them into the top half of the table. No other team has taken less points away from home with only Southampton scoring less goals on their travels. The contrast between their home and away form is incredible and it’s surely something that must change one way or the other soon.

Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo are very good options for fantasy managers, but only when they play at home.

I think Chelsea’s impressive run will continue with another three points in this game.

Prediction: 3-1

Southampton v Tottenham Hotspur

7pm GMT, St. Mary’s Stadium, Southampton 

Southampton lost 1-0 away to Villa last week and that defeat kept them rooted to the foot of the table. They have lost their last two home games and they conceded eight goals in those games with no other team taking less points on their own ground and only Ipswich and Palace scoring less goals. They have only taken one point from their last five games and they conceded 12 goals in those games with no other team scoring less goals and only Wolves conceding more.

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

Spurs led 2-0 at home to Chelsea last week, but they ended up losing 4-3 which saw them drop into the bottom half of the table. They have lost three of their last four away games with only three other teams losing more games on the road. They have only taken one point from their last three games and they conceded six goals in those games with only Chelsea scoring more goals.

Dejan Kulusevski, Brennan Johnson, James Maddison and Son Heung-Min are the Spurs players who can make a difference for fantasy managers.

I think Spurs will take three badly needed points in this game, but it will be closer than they will want.

Prediction: 1-2

Monday December 16

Bournemouth v West Ham United 

8pm GMT, Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth 

Bournemouth scored two very late goals to win 2-1 away to Ipswich last week and they’re now only three points behind the top four. They have won four of their last five home games which included wins against three of the big six with only Liverpool conceding less goals on their own patch. They have won their last three games in which they scored seven goals and they have a good run of games coming up.

Antoine Semenyo, Evanilson and Milos Kerkez can all do well for fantasy managers.

West Ham won 2-1 at home to Wolves last week to move safely clear of the bottom three and within touching distance of United and Spurs. They have lost three of their last four away games and they conceded 10 goals in those games with only Wolves conceding more goals on their travels. They lost their previous two games before beating Wolves and they conceded eight goals in those two defeats with only three other teams conceding more goals.

Jarrod Bowen is the West Ham player who can do very well for fantasy managers.

I think Bournemouth’s impressive season will continue with a narrow victory in this game.

Prediction: 2-1

That’s it for this week.

See you next week.

Predictions For Premier League Gameweek 15

It’s that time of the week again when I attempt to predict the outcomes of the upcoming Premier League games. I did quite well in midweek with no perfect predictions, seven correct outcomes and three incorrect outcomes which was enough to keep me on top of my predictions league. Here’s a look at how the top five in that league stands.

Rank	Player	Res	Cls	Exa	Slm	Pts
1 -	JamrockRover	21	64.5	39	11	135.5
2 -	Gooners	30	40.5	54	10	134.5
3 -	Cole	26	43.5	51	10	130.5
4 1	SammyW	25	54	36	11	126.0
5 2	hitch	31	42	42	9	124.0

My choice of Cole Palmer as my fantasy captain paid off as he scored against Southampton, but I paid the price for not leaving the armband with Mohamed Salah who excelled against Newcastle yet again. I will be making Salah my captain this week and I can’t see myself giving it to anyone else at the moment with the form Salah is in. Otherwise I didn’t have the best week with Josko Gvardiol and Joao Pedro being the only players to add anything of note to the points Palmer and Salah provided.

I didn’t make any changes last week so I have two to make this week and it’s looking like I will sell both Bryan Mbeumo and Danny Welbeck with Kaoru Mitoma and Yoane Wissa the most likely replacements at the moment. Two of my players didn’t play in midweek and the point I made about a strong bench came back to haunt me just a little although my bench is not the worst by any stretch of the imagination. 

Saturday December 7

Everton v Liverpool 

12.30pm GMT, Goodison Park, Liverpool 

Everton won 4-0 at home to Wolves on Wednesday night and they’re now five points clear of the bottom three. They have taken nine points from their last five home games and they kept clean sheets in three of those games. They hadn’t won in five games before beating Wolves and they only scored one goal in those games with only three other teams scoring less goals.

With a really tough run of games coming up it’s difficult to recommend any Everton players to fantasy managers at the moment.

Liverpool conceded a late goal to draw 3-3 away to Newcastle in midweek and those dropped points saw their lead at the top of the table cut to seven points. They’re the only team still unbeaten away from home with only Chelsea scoring more goals on the road. They’re unbeaten in 10 games and they won seven of them with only Chelsea scoring more goals and no other team conceding less.

Mohamed Salah is an absolute must have for fantasy managers at the moment with all of their defenders and keeper great choices too.

I think Everton will do their best to make a game of it, but Liverpool should win by a couple of goals.

Prediction: 0-2

Aston Villa v Southampton 

3pm GMT, Villa Park, Birmingham 

Villa won 3-1 at home to Brentford on Wednesday night and that win moved them back into the top half of the table. They’re unbeaten in their last six home games and they scored 12 goals in those games. Their win against Brentford was their first win in seven games and they have only managed one clean sheet so far.

Both Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers could do very well for fantasy managers in this game in particular.

Southampton lost 5-1 at home to Chelsea in midweek after having a man sent off in the first half to leave them rooted to the foot of the table. They’re one of two teams without an away win with no other team scoring less goals on their travels. They have only taken one point from their last four games and they conceded 11 goals in those games with no other team scoring less goals and only Wolves conceding more.

I can’t see any Southampton players showing enough consistency to interest fantasy managers.

I think Villa should make it back to back wins in this game by at least a few goals.

Prediction: 3-1

Brentford v Newcastle United 

3pm GMT, Gtech Community Stadium, London 

Brentford lost 3-1 away to Villa on Wednesday night and that defeat saw them drop into the bottom half of the table on goal difference. They’re one of three teams still unbeaten at home with no other team taking more points or scoring more goals on their own ground. The difference between their home form and their away form is incredible and it’s something they need to fix if they’re going to climb into the top half of the table.

Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo are the Brentford players to have for fantasy managers and particularly when they play at home.

Newcastle twice led at home to Liverpool in midweek, but they needed a late goal to draw 3-3 and that point wasn’t enough to stop them dropping into the bottom half of the table on goal difference. They have struggled to score goals away from home and it’s something they need to change sooner rather than later. They have only won two of their last 10 games, buy their next three games are all against teams in the bottom half of the table.

Alexander Isak is by far the best of the Newcastle players for fantasy managers with Anthony Gordon a possibility too.

I think Brentford will make home advantage count to take all three points in this game.

Prediction: 2-1

Crystal Palace v Manchester City 

3pm GMT, Selhurst Park, London 

Palace won 1-0 away to fellow strugglers Ipswich on Tuesday night and that win moved them three points clear of the bottom three. Only three other teams have taken less points at home with no other team scoring less goals on their own patch. They have only lost one of their last six games, but they drew three of them with only Southampton scoring less goals.

Despite winning during the week with Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta performing I still think it’s too early to recommend any Palace players to fantasy managers although Marc Guehi is a possibility.

City put an end to their losing streak with a 3-0 win at home to Forest on Wednesday night and that win moved them back into the top four. They have lost their last three away games and they conceded six goals in those games, but they have a very good run of away games coming up. They had lost four games in a row before beating Forest, but seven of their next eight games are against teams in the bottom half of the table.

Erling Haaland is still the best of the City players for fantasy managers while Kevin de Bruyne could be one to watch too now that he’s finally back from injury.

I think Palace will put it up to City, but the chances are City will win narrowly.

Prediction: 1-2

Manchester United v Nottingham Forest

5.30pm GMT, Old Trafford, Manchester 

United lost 2-0 away to Arsenal on Wednesday night and that defeat dropped them back into the bottom half of the table. They have won their last two home games in which they scored seven goals and they have a very good run of home games coming up. They had only lost one of their previous seven games before losing to Arsenal, but they travel to City next week.

Bruno Fernandes looks to be the best of the United players for fantasy managers while their keeper and defenders look like good options too.

Forest lost 3-0 away to City in midweek and they’re now four points behind the top four. They have lost their last two away games and they conceded six goals in those games. They have lost three of their last four games and no other team in the top half of the table has scored less goals. 

Chris Woods is the attacking player in the Forest team who should be of interest to fantasy managers while their keeper and defenders have done very well so far too.

I think Forest will make things difficult for United and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the points shared.

Prediction: 1-1

Sunday December 8

Fulham v Arsenal

2pm GMT, Craven Cottage, London 

Fulham won 3-1 at home to Brighton on Thursday night and that win moved them up to sixth place. They have taken 13 points from their seven home games, but no other team in the top half of the table has conceded more goals on their own patch. They have taken 11 points from their last six games, but three of their next four games are against the current top three.

Alex Iwobi is in great form for fantasy managers at the moment with Antonee Robinson and Emile Smith Rowe possibilities too.

Arsenal won 2-0 at home to United on Wednesday night to close the gap to Liverpool at the top of the table to seven points. They won their last away game after failing to win the previous four and they don’t play any of the other big six teams in their next seven games on their travels. They have won their last three games and they scored 10 goals in those games with only the two teams above them scoring more goals.

Bukayo Saka is a great choice for fantasy managers with Arsenal’s defenders and keeper very good options too.

I think this is a very tough game to call, but the chances are Arsenal will emerge with the three points.

Prediction: 1-2

Ipswich Town v Bournemouth 

2pm GMT, Portman Road, Ipswich 

Ipswich lost 1-0 at home to Palace on Tuesday night and that defeat kept them in the relegation zone. They’re the only team without a home win, but no other team has drawn more games on their own ground with only Palace scoring less goals. They have only won once in their 14 games with no other team drawing more games and only two other teams scoring less goals.

Liam Delap has been the Ipswich player to have for fantasy managers, but he hasn’t done much in recent games.

Bournemouth won 1-0 at home to Spurs on Thursday night and that win moved them back into the top half of the table. They won their last away game after only taking one point from the previous four and they will really fancy their chances in this game. They have won their last two games and five of their next six games are against teams in the bottom half of the table.

Evanilson looks like he could be a good buy for fantasy managers with Milos Kerkez, Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo all worth a shout too.

I think Bournemouth will continue to climb the table with another three points in this game. 

Prediction: 0-2

Leicester City v Brighton And Hove Albion 

2pm GMT, King Power Stadium, Leicester 

Leicester won 3-1 at home to West Ham on Tuesday night and that win moved them four points above the drop zone. They won their last home game after losing the previous two and it’s their home results that will keep them up if they manage to do so. They had only taken one point and conceded 13 goals in their five games before beating West Ham with only the bottom two conceding more goals.

Jamie Vardy is probably the best of the Leicester players for fantasy managers.

Brighton lost 3-1 away to Spurs on Thursday night and that defeat saw them drop out of the top four. They have lost two of their last three away games and they have a very good run of away games coming up. The defeat against Fulham was only their second defeat in eight games, but only one other team in the top half of the table has conceded more goals.

Joao Pedro and Kaoru Mitoma are the Brighton players most likely to make an impression for fantasy managers.

I think Brighton will bounce back from their defeat at Fulham to take all the points in this game.

Prediction: 1-3

Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea

4.30pm GMT, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London 

Spurs lost 1-0 away to Brentford on Thursday night, but they just about managed to stay in the top half of the table on goal difference. They have only taken one point from their last two home games, but only Brentford have scored more goals on their own ground. They play both of the top two in their next three games with only those two teams scoring more goals.

James Maddison, Son Heung-Min and Brennan Johnson are all good choices for fantasy managers with Dejan Kulusevski a consideration too.

Chelsea won 5-1 away to West Ham on Wednesday night and that win moved them above Arsenal into second place on goal difference. Only Liverpool have taken more points away from home with no other team scoring more or conceding less goals on the road. They have won their last three games and they scored 10 goals in those games with no other team scoring more goals.

Cole Palmer is the standout Chelsea player for fantasy managers and Nicolas Jackson isn’t far behind him.

I think this game could go either way and the most likely option is a score draw.

Prediction: 2-2

Monday December 9

West Ham United v Wolverhampton Wanderers 

8pm GMT, London Stadium, London 

West Ham lost 3-1 away to Leicester on Tuesday night, but they’re still closer to the top half of the table than they are to the relegation zone. They conceded five goals in their last home game and only two other teams have conceded more goals on their own patch. They have lost their last two games and they conceded eight goals in those games with only three other teams conceding more goals.

Jarrod Bowen is by far the best of the West Ham players for fantasy managers while a fit again Niclas Fulkrug might be worth watching too.

Wolves lost 4-0 away to Everton on Wednesday night and they’re now three points below the relative safety of 17th place. Their next two away games are against other teams at the wrong end of the table with no other team conceding more goals on their travels. They have lost their last two games and they conceded eight goals in those games with no other team conceding more goals.

Despite not returning in his last two games Matheus Cunha is a very good choice for fantasy managers with Jorgen Strand Larsen a good option too.

I think we could see a fair few goals in this game and I think West Ham will emerge with the three points.

Prediction: 3-2

That’s it for this week.

See you next week.

Predictions For Premier League Gameweek 14

It’s that time of the week again when I attempt to predict the outcomes of the upcoming Premier League games. I had a fairly good week last week with one perfect prediction, six correct outcomes and three incorrect outcomes which saw me move back to the top of my predictions league. Here’s a look at how the top five in that league stands.

Rank	Player	Res	Cls	Exa	Slm	Pts
1	JamrockRover	18	58.5	39	10	125.5
2 1	Gooners	27	34.5	54	9	124.5
3 2	Cole	25	40.5	48	10	123.5
4 3	Sam	24	52.5	33	10	119.5
5 1	SammyW	24	51	33	11	119.0

I had a pretty good week with my fantasy team too as I climbed in the rankings yet again and I’m now in the top 1% overall. Mohamed Salah brought the points home as my captain yet again and he was ably assisted by Gabriel Magalhaes, Bukayo Saka. Ola Aina and Cole Palmer. I just can’t see beyond Salah as my captain again in midweek with Saka and Palmer very good options too.

In my transfer strategy I’m still looking to bring in a Liverpool defender, possibly sell Bryan Mbeumo and Danny Wellbeck, but I might not do any of that this week to keep two transfers for next week. With so many games coming up so quickly at the moment a strongish bench is not a bad thing and that probably means I need to lose Taylor Harwood-Bellis too.

Tuesday December 3

Ipswich Town v Crystal Palace

7.30pm GMT, Portman Road, Ipswich 

Ipswich lost 1-0 away to Forest in their last game, but they’re still only in the bottom three on goal difference. They’re the only team without a home win, but no other team has drawn more games on their own ground and only Palace have scored less goals. The defeat against Forest was their first defeat in four games, but only three other teams have scored less goals.

Liam Delap is the only Ipswich player who looks likely to perform for fantasy managers.

Palace came from behind to draw 1-1 at home to Newcastle on Saturday and that point was enough to move them out of the relegation zone on goal difference. They’re one of three teams without an away win, but no other team has drawn more games on the road. They have only lost one of their last five games, but they drew three of them with no other team drawing more games and only Southampton and Everton scoring less goals.

I still don’t think there are any Palace players doing enough to interest fantasy managers.

This is a big game for two teams at the wrong end of the table and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them share the points.

Prediction: 1-1

Leicester City v West Ham United 

8.15pm GMT, King Power Stadium, Leicester 

Leicester led away to Brentford on Saturday, but they ended up losing 4-1 and they’re just one point above the bottom three. They have lost their last two home games and two of their next three games on their own patch are against teams very close to them in the table. They have lost their last three games and they conceded nine goals in those games with only Wolves conceding more goals.

Jamie Vardy and Facundo Buonanotte are the Leicester players who look like good options for fantasy managers.

West Ham lost 5-2 at home to Arsenal at the weekend, but they will still fancy their chances in this game. They won their last away game after falling to win the previous four, but their next three away games are against teams in the bottom half of the table. They have a good run of games coming up starting with this one, but only three other teams have conceded more goals.

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

I think West Ham might just bounce back from their weekend defeat with a narrow win in this game.

Prediction: 1-2

Wednesday December 4

Everton v Wolverhampton Wanderers 

7.30pm GMT, Goodison Park, Liverpool 

Everton lost 4-0 away to United on Sunday and they’re still only two points above the relegation zone. They have only won once in their six home games with only Palace scoring less goals on their own ground. They haven’t won in five games and they haven’t scored in four with no other team scoring less goals. 

Everton’s goalkeeper and defenders are coming back on the radar for fantasy managers, but they have some very tough games coming up.

Wolves lost 4-2 at home to Bournemouth at the weekend and that defeat dropped them back into the relegation zone on goal difference. They won their last away game after falling to win the previous five with only two other teams conceding more goals on the road. They had taken eight points from four games before losing to Bournemouth with no other team conceding more goals, but no other team in the bottom half of the table scoring more.

Matheus Cunha and Jorgen Strand Larsen are the Wolves players for fantasy managers to consider.

Despite conceding four goals on Sunday I think Everton’s defensive solidity should be enough to see them win this game.

Prediction: 2-1

Manchester City v Nottingham Forest

7.30pm GMT, Etihad Stadium, Manchester 

City lost 2-0 away to Liverpool on Sunday and that defeat saw them drop out of the top four. They lost their last home game after taking 13 points from the previous five and they have a good run of games coming up. They have lost their last four games and they conceded 10 goals in those games with only one other team in the top half of the table conceding more goals.

Erling Haaland remains by far the best option in the City team for fantasy managers, but their fixtures are about to get an awful lot better which could see Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol make an impression too.

Forest won 1-0 at home to Ipswich in their last game and that win kept them within a point of the top four. They have only lost one of their six away games with only three other teams conceding less goals on their travels. They have won four of their last six games with only Liverpool conceding less goals.

Chris Wood remains the best option in the Forest team for fantasy managers with their keeper and defenders worth considering too.

I think City have to bounce back at some stage and the chances are they will do so in this game.

Prediction: 3-1

Newcastle United v Liverpool 

7.30pm GMT, St. James’s Park, Newcastle 

Newcastle drew 1-1 away to Palace on Saturday and that result meant they dropped into the bottom half of the table on goal difference. They have only won once in their last four home games with only Liverpool conceding less goals at home and only Palace scoring less. They have only won two of their last nine games with only four other teams scoring less goals and only three other teams conceding less.

If he’s fit to play Alexander Isak is the Newcastle player most likely to do well for fantasy managers.

Liverpool won 2-0 at home to City on Sunday to go nine points clear at the top of the table. They’re the only team unbeaten away from home with no other team conceding less goals on the road and only Chelsea scoring more. They have won 11 of their 13 games and they kept clean sheets in seven of those games with no other team conceding less goals and only Spurs scoring more.

Mohamed Salah is an absolute must have for fantasy managers with Luis Diaz and all of their defenders and keeper worth considering too.

This is a tough game to call, but I have a feeling Newcastle will be able to do enough at home to get a point from this game.

Prediction: 1-1

Southampton v Chelsea 

7.30pm GMT, St. Mary’s Stadium, Southampton 

Southampton drew 1-1 away to Brighton at the weekend, but they’re still firmly rooted to the foot of the table. No other team has taken less points at home with only four other teams scoring less goals on their own patch. They have only won once in their 13 games and this is the first of four very tough games in a row. 

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

Chelsea won 3-0 at home to Villa on Sunday and they’re only behind second placed Arsenal alphabetically. Only Liverpool have taken more points away from home with no other team scoring more goals on their travels. They have taken 11 points from their last five games and they haven’t failed to score in their last 12 with only Spurs scoring more goals.

Cole Palmer and  Nicolas Jackson remain the best of the bunch in the Chelsea team for fantasy managers.

I think Chelsea will be too strong for Southampton and should win by a couple of goals.

Prediction: 1-3

Arsenal v Manchester United 

8.15pm GMT, Emirates Stadium, London 

Arsenal won 5-2 away to West Ham on Saturday and that win moved them into second place, but they’re nine points behind Liverpool. They’re one of three teams still unbeaten at home with only Brentford and Spurs scoring more goals on their own ground. They have won their last two games after failing to win the previous four and they scored eight goals in those two wins with only Spurs scoring more goals. 

Bukayo Saka is a must have for fantasy managers at the moment with Gabriel Magalhaes in the same bracket once he’s fit to play.

United won 4-0 at home to Everton on Sunday and that win was enough to move them into the top half of the table. They haven’t won in their last four away games, but they drew three of them with no other team drawing more games or conceding less goals on the road. They have taken eight points from their last four games and they kept clean sheets in two of them with only Liverpool conceding less goals.

Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford have looked good recently for fantasy managers with the United defenders and keeper worth considering too.

This is a game Arsenal have to win and I think they will do just that with a couple of goals to spare.

Prediction: 3-1

Aston Villa v Brentford 

8.15pm GMT, Villa Park, Birmingham 

Villa lost 3-0 away to Chelsea on Sunday and that defeat saw them drop into the bottom half of the table. They are unbeaten in their last five home games, but they drew the last three and this is the first of two very good home fixtures in a row. They have only won once in their last eight games and they need to turn that around quickly.

Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers are the Villa players who can do well for fantasy managers even if it hasn’t gone well recently for them.

Brentford came from behind to win 4-1 at home to Leicester on Saturday and that win moved them within three points of the top four. They took a point in their last away game after losing the previous five with no other team taking less points or scoring less goals on their travels. They have taken 10 points and scored 12 goals in their last five games with only Spurs scoring more goals.

Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbuemo are the best of the Brentford players for fantasy managers, but they do their best work at home.

Villa really need a result to stop their slide down the table and I think they will manage to take all three points in this game.

Prediction: 2-1

Thursday December 5

Fulham v Brighton And Hove Albion 

7.30pm GMT, Craven Cottage, London 

Fulham came from behind to draw 1-1 away to Spurs on Sunday and that point was enough to keep them in the top half of table on goal difference. They have lost two of their last three home games and they conceded eight goals in those three games with only three other teams conceding more goals on their own ground. They have only won two of their last seven games and their next three games are against teams in the top four starting with this game.

Both Alex Iwobi and Emile Smith Rowe can do quite well for fantasy managers at a good price.

Brighton drew 1-1 at home to Southampton in their last game and that point was enough to move them into the top four on goal difference. They have won two of their last three away games and they have a good run of games on the road coming up. They have taken 14 points from their last seven games and they have a very good run of games coming up.

Joao Pedro, Kaoru Mitoma, Danny Welbeck and Georginio Rutter are all good options for fantasy managers at the moment.

Brighton missed their chance to keep pace with second place last week, but I think they will make up for it with three points in this game.

Prediction: 1-2

Bournemouth v Tottenham Hotspur

8.15pm GMT, Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth 

Bournemouth won 4-2 away to West Ham on Saturday and they’re only one point off the top half of the table. They lost their last home game after winning the previous three and they have a good run of home games coming up. They had lost two games in a row before beating Wolves and they have already won at home to both of last season’s top two.

Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson are the Bournemouth players for fantasy managers to own at the moment with Justin Kluivert a possibility too.

Spurs drew 1-1 at home to Fulham on Sunday and they’re only three points off the top four. They have won away to both Manchester clubs, but they haven’t won any of their other away games. They haven’t been able to follow any of their good results up with a win and no other team has scored more goals.

Brennan Johnson, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Son Heung-Min are the best of the Spurs players for fantasy managers.

I think Bournemouth will make things very difficult for Spurs and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them win narrowly.

Prediction: 2-1

That’s it for this week.

See you next week.