Friday 29 March 2024

Predictions For Premier League Gameweek 30

It’s that time of the week again when I attempt to predict the outcomes of the upcoming Premier League games. It’s hard to judge how well I did last time out as there were only four games and I managed two correct outcomes and two incorrect outcomes which saw me move up to fifth place in my predictions league. Here’s a look at how the top five in that league stands.

RankPlayerResClsExaSlmPts
1
-
TeeBee
481238728286.0
2
-
Richard Landsberg
461238725281.0
3
-
IAMC0Le
53112.58723275.5
4
-
robbieg
49121.57225267.5
5
1
JamrockRover
 
52109.58124266.5

My choice of Son Heung-Min as my fantasy captain didn’t work out in the last Gameweek as he didn’t manage a return from Spurs’ trip to Fulham. I used my free hit to try to put a good team together, but Rodrigo Muniz was the only player to do anything of note with the exception of Sergio Reguilon who got himself sent off. I did move up in the overall rankings though and I still have two chips left to use.

It’s not so easy to pick a captain for this week, but Cole Palmer, Son, Muniz and Mohamed Salah are all worth considering. I am contemplating not making any transfers this week so I will have two next week to bring Salah in for the run in. 

Saturday March 30

Newcastle United v West Ham United 

12.30 GMT, St. James’s Park, Newcastle 

Newcastle lost 3-2 away to Chelsea last time out and they’re now only one point above the bottom half of the table. They have taken five points from their last three home games after losing the previous two with only three other teams scoring more goals on their own ground. They have taken 11 points from their last seven games after losing the previous four and they don’t face any of the top four in their last 10 games.

Anthony Gordon is the Newcastle player most likely to do well for fantasy managers with Alexander Isak worth considering too.

West Ham drew 1-1 at home to Villa in their last game to keep them in seventh place in the table. They won their last away game after only taking one point from the previous three, but Newcastle are the only team in the top half of the table to have conceded more goals on the road. They have taken eight points from their last four games and they scored 10 goals in those games, but no other team in the top half of the table has conceded more goals.

Jarrod Bowen is the best of the West Ham players for fantasy managers with Mohammed Kudus a possibility too.

I think this will be a close game, but Newcastle will probably make home advantage count.

Prediction: 2-1

Bournemouth v Everton 

3pm GMT, Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth 

Bournemouth didn’t play last time out, but they took four points from two home games against Sheffield United and Luton the previous week. They have only won once in their last five home games with only three other teams scoring less goals on their own patch. They have taken seven points from their last three games after falling to win the previous seven and only four other teams have conceded more goals.

Dominic Solanke is the Bournemouth player who can make a difference for fantasy managers.

Everton didn’t play last time out either, but they lost 2-0 away to United the previous week and they’re still only four points above the bottom three. They have only taken two points from their last six away games with only Sheffield United scoring less goals on their travels, but only four other teams conceding less. They haven’t won in 11 games and they failed to score in five of those games with only the bottom club scoring less goals.

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

This isn’t an easy game to call, but the chances are the points will be shared.

Prediction: 1-1

Chelsea v Burnley

3pm GMT, Stamford Bridge, London 

Chelsea won 3-2 at home to Newcastle in their last game and that win put them within a point of the top half of the table. They have won five of their last six home games and three of their next four games are on their own ground. They have taken eight points and scored nine goals in their last four games and three of their next four games are against teams struggling at the wrong end of the table.

Cole Palmer is by far the best of the Chelsea players for fantasy managers at the moment.

Burnley won 2-1 at home to Brentford last time out to move within five points of safety and give themselves a glimmer of hope in their bid to avoid relegation. They have only taken one point from their last five away games with only Sheffield United scoring less goals on the road. They won their last game after failing to win the previous 10 with only Sheffield United scoring less and conceding more goals.

David Datro Fofano is the only Burnley player for fantasy managers to consider, but he can’t play in this game.

I think Chelsea should be good enough at home to beat the team one place off the foot of the table.

Prediction: 3-1

Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace 

3pm GMT, City Ground, Nottingham 

Forest drew 1-1 away to Luton last time out, but they dropped into the bottom three after they received a four point deduction. They have lost three of their last four home games with only the bottom two taking less points on their own patch. They have only won once in their last nine games and they have only scored one goal in their last three games.

Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga could be the Forest players to interest fantasy managers at the moment.

Palace drew 1-1 at home to Luton the last time they played and they’re still fairly comfortable in the table with eight points to spare over the relegation zone. They haven’t won in their last eight away games and they conceded 20 goals in those games with only Sheffield United scoring less goals on their travels. They have only taken five points from their last six games with only three other teams scoring less goals.

Eberechi Eze is the best option in the Palace team for fantasy managers at the moment.

I think Forest might just manage to take three very valuable points in this game.

Prediction: 2-1

Sheffield United v Fulham

3pm GMT, Bramall Lane, Sheffield 

United didn’t play last time out, but they managed a 2-2 draw away to Bournemouth the previous week which left them still rooted to the foot of the table. They have lost their last three home games and they conceded 16 goals in those games with no other team scoring less or conceding more goals on their own ground. They have only won once in their last 12 games and it’s just a matter of time until their relegation is confirmed.

I still can’t see any United players who can make a difference for fantasy managers.

Fulham won 3-0 at home to Spurs in their last game and that victory moved them within two points of the top half of the table. They have only won once in their last 13 away games with only Sheffield United scoring less goals on the road. They have taken 12 points from their last six games and they scored 13 goals in those games.

Rodrigo Muniz is the in form Fulham player fantasy managers should be interested in at the moment.

I think Fulham will build on their win against Spurs with another three points in this game.

Prediction: 1-3

Tottenham Hotspur v Luton Town 

3pm GMT, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London 

Spurs lost 3-0 away to Fulham in their last game and that defeat cost them a place in the top four. They have won six of their last seven home games and they scored 18 goals in those games. They have taken 26 points from their last 13 games and they have only failed to score in one game so far.

Son Heung-Min, James Maddison and Richarlison are the Spurs players most likely to do well for fantasy managers in a very good fixture for them this week.

Luton drew 1-1 at home to Forest last time out and that point was enough to move them out of the bottom three after Forest had four points deducted. They have only taken two points from their last four away games and they conceded 13 goals in those games with no other team conceding more goals on their travels.

Carlton Morris and Alfie Doughty could do well for fantasy managers while Ross Barkley could be considered too.

I think Spurs should be too good at home for Luton and should win with a few goals to spare.

Prediction: 4-1

Aston Villa v Wolverhampton Wanderers 

5.30pm GMT, Villa Park, Birmingham 

Villa drew 1-1 away to West Ham in their last game and that point moved them three points ahead of Spurs in fourth place, but they have played a game more. They have lost three of their last four home games and they conceded 11 goals in those games with only the top two scoring more goals on their own ground. They have only taken 14 points from their last nine games and they conceded 15 goals in those games.

Ollie Watkins, Douglas Luiz and Leon Bailey are all very good options for fantasy managers.

Wolves won 2-1 at home to Fulham the last time they played and that win was enough to keep them in the top half of the table. They have taken 10 points and scored 10 goals in their last five away games and three of their next four games are on the road. They have taken 22 points from their last 11 games and they scored 21 goals in those games.

With Whang Hee-Chan and Pedro Neto injured Matheus Cunha could be of interest to fantasy managers if he can recover from injury.

I think Villa will continue their bid to finish in the top four by taking all three points in this game.

Prediction: 2-1

Brentford v Manchester United 

8pm GMT, Gtech Community Stadium, London 

Brentford lost 2-1 away to Burnley last time out after playing almost all of the game with 10 men and they’re only five points above the relegation zone. They have only taken four points from their last six home games and they conceded 17 goals in those games with only two other teams conceding more goals on their own patch. They have only taken one point from their last six games and they conceded 15 goals in those games with only three other teams conceding more goals.

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

United won 2-0 at home to Everton in their last game and that win has given them some hope in their chase for a top four finish. They lost their last away game after winning the previous three and they scored nine goals in those four games, but no other team in the top half of the table has scored less goals on their travels. They have won five of their last seven games and they scored 15 goals in those games, but only five other teams have scored less goals.

With Rasmus Hojlund available again he’s probably the best of the United players for fantasy managers, but Andre Onana, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho have all looked good recently too.

I think Brentford will make a game of it, but the chances are United will win the game.

Prediction: 1-2

Sunday March 31

Liverpool v Brighton And Hove Albion 

2pm BST, Anfield, Liverpool 

Liverpool drew 1-1 at home to City the last time they played and that result meant they dropped to second place behind Arsenal on goal difference. They’re one of two teams still unbeaten at home with no other team scoring more or conceding less goals on their own ground. They have taken 25 points from their last 10 games and they scored 28 goals in those games with only Arsenal scoring more and conceding less goals.

With Mohamed Salah back from injury he’s the pick of the Liverpool players for fantasy managers with Virgil van Dijk, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez all worth considering too.

Brighton won 1-0 at home to Forest last time out and that win kept them in the top half of the table. They have only taken five points from their last eight away games and they failed to score in four of those games. They have struggled to find any consistency recently and the play all of the top three in their next five games.

Pascal Gross is the only Brighton player showing enough consistency to be of interest to fantasy managers at the moment.

I think Liverpool should be able to win this game with a few goals to spare and it might be enough to take them back to the top of the table.

Prediction: 3-0

Manchester City v Arsenal 

4.30pm BST, Etihad Stadium, Manchester 

City didn’t play in the last Gameweek, but they drew 1-1 away to Liverpool in the previous week which left them one point behind Arsenal at the top of the table going into this game. They’re one of two teams still unbeaten at home and no other team has conceded less goals on their own patch. They have taken 33 points from their last 13 games and they scored 27 goals in those games with only Arsenal and Liverpool scoring more and conceding less goals.

Erling Haaland is the City player of choice for fantasy managers as long as he’s fit to play with Phil Foden a very good option too.

Arsenal won 2-1 at home to Brentford the last time they played and that win was enough to move them to the top of the table on goal difference. They have won their last four away games and they scored 19 goals in those games while only conceding one with no other team scoring more or conceding less goals on their travels. They have won their last eight games and they scored 33 goals in those games with no other team scoring more or conceding less goals.

Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice are all in great form for fantasy managers while all of their defenders and keeper are good choices too, but maybe not in this game.

This is a huge game which could have an enormous impact on who wins the league and I think City might just shade it no matter what way I would prefer the result to go.

Prediction: 2-1

That’s it for this week.

See you next week.

Thursday 14 March 2024

Predictions For Premier League Gameweek 29

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 good week last week with one perfect prediction, four correct outcomes and six incorrect outcomes which saw me drop to sixth place in my predictions league. Normally I would post the table below, but for some strange reason it’s not available at the moment.

My choice of Dominic Solanke as my captain last week paid off, but I had hoped for more from a player with two home games against teams in the relegation zone. Besides him my team was only helped by points from Cole Palmer, Pedro Porro and Pervis Estupinan, but I managed to climb a little in the overall rankings at least.

With only four games this week it’s an ideal time to use my free hit chip and I will definitely be availing of it. The best captaincy options are Son Heung-Min and Ollie Watkins and the chances are I’ll opt for Son. I will probably have three players each from Spurs and Villa added to a sprinkling from Luton, Brentford, West Ham and Fulham.

Saturday March 16

Burnley v Brentford 

3pm GMT, Turf Moor, Burnley 

Burnley led 2-0 away to West Ham last week, but they had to settle for a 2-2 draw which kept them off the foot of the table on goal difference. They have only taken two points from their last six home games and they conceded 14 goals in those games with only Sheffield United scoring less and conceding more goals on their own ground. They have only taken three points from their last 10 games and they conceded 26 goals in those games with only Sheffield United scoring less and conceding more goals.

Even with only eight teams playing this week it’s still difficult to see any Burnley players to recommend to fantasy managers.

Brentford lost 2-1 away to Arsenal last week and they’re now only five points above the bottom three. They have lost eight of their last nine away games and they conceded 19 goals in those games, buy three of their next four games on the road are against teams below them in the table. They have only won two of their last 14 games with only the bottom four conceding more goals.

Yoane Wissa is the in form Brentford player for fantasy managers with Ivan Toney worth considering too.

I think Brentford will get a badly needed win in this game to give them some breathing space at the wrong end of the table.

Prediction: 1-2

Luton Town v Nottingham Forest 

3pm GMT, Kenilworth Road, Luton

Luton drew 1-1 away to Palace and lost 4-3 away to Bournemouth last week which meant they stayed in the bottom three. They have lost their last three home games and they conceded eight goals in those games with only three other teams conceding more goals on their own patch. They have only taken two points from their last seven games and they conceded 21 goals in those games with only the two teams below them conceding more goals and Chelsea are the only team in the bottom half of the table to have scored more goals.

Alfie Doughty and Carlton Morris are still the Luton players most likely to return points for fantasy managers.

Forest lost 1-0 away to Brighton last week and they are only three points ahead of Luton going into this game. They have only taken one point from their last four away games and they conceded nine goals in those games with only three other teams conceding more goals on their travels. They have only taken four points from their last eight games and they conceded 15 goals in those games.

Forest players aren’t exactly setting the world alight for fantasy managers at the moment, but Anthony Elanga, Morgan Gibbs-White and Taiwo Awoniyi could all possibly do so.

This is a huge game for both teams with the loser ending the day in the relegation zone and I have a feeling the points might be shared.

Prediction: 2-2

Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur 

5.30pm GMT, Craven Cottage, London 

Fulham lost 2-1 away to Wolves last week, but they’re very close to securing their Premier League status for another season with 10 games left to play. They have taken 10 points from their last five home games and they scored nine goals in those games with only the top three conceding less goals on their own ground. They have taken 11 points from their last seven games, but they could struggle to get anything from this game. 

Rodrigo Muniz is the Fulham player doing the business for fantasy managers at the moment.

Spurs won 4-0 away to Villa last week to move within two points of them with a game in hand in the race for fourth place. They have only lost one of their last six away games and they scored 15 goals in those games with only Arsenal scoring more goals on the road. They have taken 26 points from their last 10 games and they scored 30 goals in those games with only the top three scoring more goals.

Son Heung-Min, James Maddison, Pedro Porro and Dejan Kulusevski are all very good options for fantasy managers this week.

I think Spurs will build on their win last week and move temporarily into fourth place by taking the three points in this game.

Prediction: 1-2

Sunday March 17

West Ham United v Aston Villa

2pm GMT, London Stadium, London 

West Ham came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at home to Burnley last week and they’re still in a strong enough position to qualify for European football for next season. They have taken four points from their last two home games and they scored six goals in those games, but no other team in the top half of the table has conceded more goals on their own patch. They have taken seven points from their last three games after failing to win the previous six and they scored nine goals in those three games.

Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus are the West Ham players most likely to return points for fantasy managers at the moment.

Villa lost 4-0 at home to Spurs last week and they will have dropped out of the top four before this game if Spurs win away to Fulham. They have won their last three away games and they scored 10 goals in those games, but they have two very tough away games after this one. They lost their last game after winning four of the previous five and they scored 15 goals in those games with only the top three scoring more goals.

As long as he’s fit to play Ollie Watkins is the Villa player to have for fantasy managers with Leon Bailey and Douglas Luiz good options too.

This isn’t an easy game to call and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it end all square.

Prediction: 2-2

That’s it for this week.

See you next week.

Friday 8 March 2024

Predictions For Premier League Gameweek 28

It’s that time of the week again when I attempt to predict the outcomes of the upcoming Premier League games. I did pretty well last week with two perfect predictions, five correct outcomes and three incorrect outcomes which saw me stay in fifth place in my predictions league. Here’s a look at how the top five in that league stands.

RankPlayerResClsExaSlmPts
1
TeeBee
46115.58727275.5
2
1
Richard Landsberg
451178124267.0
3
-
IAMC0Le
511087822259.0
4
-
robbieg
47115.56924255.5
5
-
JamrockRover
50103.57823254.5

My choice of Erling Haaland as my captain paid off for me last week, but he could and probably should have done better. He was assisted by Caoimhin Kelleher, William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Ollie Watkins, but even with seven players scoring I lost a little ground overall for the third week in a row. I really need to reverse that slide if I’m going to finish in a decent position at the end of the season and hopefully I can get back on track this week.

With two games to play this week the players from Bournemouth and Luton are looking like good options for fantasy managers. Dominic Solanke has to be a real consideration for the captain’s armband while Carlton Morris, Alfie Doughty and Ross Barkley could all do well  too. You might also have to keep an eye on next week’s games when picking your team with only four games going ahead and it could be a very good week to use the free hit chip for those who still have it left.

Saturday March 9

Manchester United v Everton

12.30pm GMT, Old Trafford, Manchester 

United lost 3-1 away to City last week and they now have 11 points to make up on the top four with only 11 games left to go. They have only won two of their last five home games and they have conceded more goals than they have scored on their own ground. They have lost their last two games after winning the previous four and they conceded five goals in those two defeats with no other team in the top half of the table scoring less goals.

If he’s fit to play Rasmus Hojlund is the United player to have for fantasy managers.

Everton lost 3-1 at home to West Ham last week, but they still have five points to spare over the bottom three. They have only taken two points from their last five away games and they only scored two goals in those games with only three other teams scoring less goals on the road. They haven’t won in 10 games, but they drew five of them and only the bottom two have scored less goals.

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

I think United will keep their faint top four hopes alive with a narrow victory in this game.

Prediction: 2-1

Bournemouth v Sheffield United 

3pm GMT, Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth 

Bournemouth won 2-0 away to Burnley last week and they’re an awful lot closer to the top half of the table than they are to the relegation zone. They have only taken one point and scored one goal in their last three home games, but they did play both of the top two in those games and no other team has scored less goals on their own patch. They hadn’t won in seven games before beating Burnley, but they have a very good run of games coming up.

With two good home games this week Dominic Solanke is looking very good for fantasy managers at the moment.

United lost 6-0 at home to Arsenal last week and it’s really just a matter of when their relegation will be confirmed. They have only taken five points from their 13 away games with no other team scoring less or conceding more goals on their travels. They have lost their last three games without scoring and they conceded 12 goals in those games with no other team scoring less or conceding more goals.

I can’t see any United players who can make a difference for fantasy managers at the moment.

I think Bournemouth should get their week off to a good start by taking the three points in this game.

Prediction: 3-0

Crystal Palace v Luton Town 

3pm GMT, Selhurst Park, London 

Palace lost 3-1 away to Spurs last week, but they are still comfortably eight points above the relegation zone. They have won three of their last four home games and they scored 10 goals in those games. They have lost three of their last five games and they conceded 11 goals in those games with only three other teams scoring less goals.

With Eberechi Eze back from injury he’s the Palace player who can perform well for fantasy managers.

Luton lost 3-2 at home to Villa last week and that defeat meant they stayed in the bottom three with four points to make up on the closest team above them. They have only won once in their last eight away games with only Sheffield United conceding more goals on the road. They have lost their last four games and they conceded 12 goals in those games with only the two teams below them conceding more goals.

With two games this week Carlton Morris and Alfie Doughty can both do very well for fantasy managers.

I think this will be a close game with Palace probably making home advantage pay to take all the points.

Prediction: 2-1

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Fulham 

3pm GMT, Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton 

Wolves lost 3-0 away to Newcastle last week, but they managed to hold on to their place in the top half of the table. They won their last home game after losing the previous three and no other team in the top half of the table has conceded more goals on their own patch. They have taken 19 points from their last 10 games and they could go as high as eighth if they win this game.

Wolves could be without their three best assists for fantasy managers this week with Pedro Neto doubtful and both Hwang Hee-Chan and Matheus Cunha definitely out.

Fulham won 3-0 at home to Brighton last week and they’re now only three points off the top half of the table. They won their last away game after failing to win the previous 11 with only the bottom two scoring less goals on their travels. They have won three of their last four games and they scored nine goals in those games and they will move above Wolves if they win this game.

Rodrigo Muniz is the Fulham player looking most likely to make a good impression for fantasy managers at the moment.

This is a game which could go either way, but the chances are Wolves will win narrowly.

Prediction: 2-1

Arsenal v Brentford 

5.30pm GMT, Emirates Stadium, London 

Arsenal won 6-0 away to Sheffield United last week and they will go to the top of the table if they win this game with the two teams above them playing each other the next day. They have won their last three home games and they scored 12 goals in those games with only two other teams scoring more goals on their own ground. They have won their last seven games and they scored 31 goals in those games with no other team scoring more or conceding less goals.

Virtually all of Arsenal’s players are in great form for fantasy managers at the moment with Bukayo Saka probably the pick of the bunch.

Brentford drew 2-2 at home to Chelsea last week and that point moved them six points clear of the relegation zone. They have lost seven of their last eight away games and they conceded 17 goals in those games with only four other teams scoring less goals on the road. They have lost 10 of their last 13 games and they conceded 31 goals in those games with only the bottom three conceding more goals.

Yoane Wissa has been the Brentford player most likely to do well for fantasy managers at the moment.

I think Arsenal will continue their impressive run of victories with a couple of goals to spare in this game.

Prediction: 3-1

Sunday March 10

Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur 

1pm GMT, Villa Park, London 

Villa won 3-2 away to Luton last week to keep themselves in the top four and five points ahead of Spurs going into this game. They won their last home game after losing the previous two with only Liverpool scoring more goals on their own patch. They have won their last three games and they scored nine goals in those games.

Ollie Watkins, Leon Bailey and Douglas Luiz are all in very good form for fantasy managers at the moment.

Spurs came from behind to win 3-1 at home to Palace last week and that win kept them five points behind Villa with a game in hand. They have only won once in their last six away games and they conceded 12 goals in those games with only the top three scoring more goals on their travels. They haven’t managed to win two games in a row in their last eight games, but a win in this game would be a massive boost for their top four hopes.

Son Heung-Min and James Maddison are the Spurs players to have at the moment for fantasy managers with Brennan Johnson looking good recently too.

This is a huge game for two teams chasing a top four finish and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them share the spoils.

Prediction: 2-2

Brighton And Hove Albion v Nottingham Forest 

2pm GMT, AMEX Stadium, Brighton 

Brighton lost 3-0 away to Fulham last week and they’re now only three points above the bottom half of the table. They’re unbeaten in their last 11 home games, but they drew six of them with no other team drawing more games on their own ground. They have only won three of their last 12 games and no other team has drawn more games.

Pascal Gross is the Brighton player of choice for fantasy managers at the moment.

Forest lost 1-0 at home to Liverpool thanks to an absolutely awful piece of refereeing last week and that result leaves them one place and four points above the relegation zone. They have only taken one point from their last three away games with only the bottom two taking less points on the road. They have only won once in their last seven games and they conceded 14 goals in those games.

Anthony Elanga is the Forest player most likely to return points for fantasy managers with Morgan Gibbs-White and Taiwo Awoniyi possibilities too.

I think Brighton will bounce back from last week’s poor result with a win in this game.

Prediction: 3-1

West Ham United v Burnley 

2pm GMT, London Stadium, London 

West Ham won 3-1 away to Everton last week and they’re now only two points off sixth place. They won their last home game after falling to win the previous three and four of their next six games are on their own patch. They won their last two games after falling to win the previous six and they scored seven goals in those two wins. 

Jarrod Bowen looks like he’s back to his best for fantasy managers with Mohammed Kudus worth considering too.

Burnley lost 2-0 at home to Bournemouth last week and they are surely doomed to relegation despite having 11 games left to play. They have lost their last four away games and they conceded 12 goals in those games with only Sheffield United scoring less goals on their travels. They have only taken two points from their last nine games and they conceded 24 goals in those games with only Sheffield United conceding more and scoring less goals.

I can’t see any Burnley players who can make a difference for fantasy managers at the moment.

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

Prediction: 3-0

Liverpool v Manchester City

3.45pm GMT, Anfield, Liverpool 

Liverpool got a controversial last minute goal to win 1-0 away to Forest last week and that win kept them on top of the table with City just one point behind them. They’re one of two teams still unbeaten at home with no other team taking more points, scoring more or conceding less goals on their own ground. They have won eight of their last nine games and they scored 27 goals in those games with only Arsenal scoring more and conceding less goals.

It looks like Mohamed Salah could be back from injury which makes him the best choice in the Liverpool team for fantasy managers with Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz the best of the other players who aren’t injured.

City came from behind to win 3-1 at home to United last week to leave them one point behind Liverpool going into this game and they will go to the top of the table if they win it. They have won their last five away games and they scored 12 goals in those games with only Arsenal scoring more goals on the road. They have taken 32 points from their last 12 games and they scored 26 goals in those games with only Arsenal and Liverpool scoring more and conceding less goals.

Erling Haaland still has to hit the heights since his return from injury, but along with Kevin de Bruyne and Phil Foden he’s still a very good option for fantasy managers.

I think this is a game which could go either way, but I have a sneaking suspicion City will manage a narrow victory.

Prediction: 1-2

Monday March 11

Chelsea v Newcastle United 

8pm GMT, Stamford Bridge, London 

Chelsea drew 2-2 away to Brentford last week, but that point wasn’t enough to take them out of the bottom half of the table. They lost their last home game after winning the previous four  and their next three games are all on their own patch. They have only won once in their last five games, but they could move back into the top half of the table if they win this game.

Cole Palmer remains the only Chelsea player showing enough consistency to interest fantasy managers.

Newcastle won 3-0 at home to Wolves last week to keep in touch with the race for a top six finish. They have only won three of their 13 away games with only Sheffield United conceding more goals on their travels. They have only lost one of their last six games after losing the previous four with only the top four scoring more goals.

Anthony Gordon is the best bet in the Newcastle team for fantasy managers while Alexander Isak has looked good since returning from injury.

I think this will be a very close game with a draw being the most likely outcome.

Prediction: 1-1

Wednesday March 13

Bournemouth v Luton Town 

7.30pm GMT, Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth 

Bournemouth play their second home game of the week and they’re both against teams in the bottom three. They can do their home record an awful lot of good this week and five of their remaining home games are against teams below them in the table. If they can take the maximum points from their two games this week they will be very close to the top half of the table and will put any chances of relegation to bed.

As I said previously Dominic Solanke is possibly a very good choice for fantasy managers this week as long as he stays clear of injuries.

Luton play their second game of the week and they could possibly climb out of the bottom three if they win both games. Their away form hasn’t been great, but they have scored in each of their last five games on the road. They have actually scored in each of their last 15 games and it’s only their inability to keep goals out that has them in the bottom three.

Luton players will be in high demand with fantasy managers this week as they have two games even if both of those games are away from home.

I think this will be a close game, but Bournemouth will make it two wins out of two.

Prediction: 2-1

That’s it for this week.

See you next week.

Thursday 29 February 2024

Predictions For Premier League Gameweek 27

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 no perfect predictions, five correct outcomes and three incorrect outcomes which meant I stayed in fifth place in my predictions league. Here’s a look at how the top five in that league stands.

RankPlayerResClsExaSlmPts
1
-
Richard Landsberg
43109.58123256.5
2
-
TeeBee
431088124256.0
3
-
IAMC0Le
48100.57820246.5
4
-
robbieg
441086922243.0
5
-
JamrockRover
47100.57222241.5

My choice of Erling Haaland as my captain just about paid off last week, but my team lost some ground again for the second week in a row. He’s more than likely going to be my captain again this week, but I am sorely tempted to pick Bukayo Saka who plays away to Sheffield United. Ollie Watkins and Son Heung-Min could be good options too, but it’s always difficult not to choose Haaland.

Besides his points my team was helped by Saka and Phil Foden, but none of my other players did anything to write home about. I’ve got to look closely at my team this week and I might even have to consider using my wild card. If Mohamed Salah is fit to play he has to be a serious consideration while Watkins and Dominic Solanke are good options too.

Saturday March 2

Brentford v Chelsea 

3pm GMT, Gtech Community Stadium, London 

Brentford lost 4-2 away to West Ham last week and they’re starting to drift dangerously close to the relegation zone. They have lost four of their last five home games and they conceded 15 goals in those games with only the bottom two teams conceding more goals on their own ground. They have lost 10 of their last 12 games and they conceded 29 goals in those games with only the bottom three conceding more goals.

Ivan Toney and Neal Maupay are both capable of doing well for fantasy managers.

Chelsea didn’t play last week as they were busy losing the Carabao Cup Final to Liverpool. They have only taken seven points from their last eight away games, but two of their next three games on the road are against teams struggling at the wrong end of the table. They have only won once in their last four games after winning four of the previous five, but no other team in the bottom half of the table have scored more goals.

Cole Palmer is the Chelsea player who can make a real difference for fantasy managers at the moment.

I think Brentford’s woes will continue with Chelsea narrowly winning this game.

Prediction: 1-2

Everton v West Ham United 

3pm GMT, Goodison Park, Liverpool 

Everton drew 1-1 away to Brighton last week, but they managed to climb up to 15th place after they got back four of the 10 points they were deducted. They have only taken three points from their last four home games with only three other teams scoring less goals on their own patch, but only three other teams conceding less too. They haven’t won in nine games, but they drew five of them with only the bottom two scoring less goals and only the top three conceding less.

With Abdoulaye Dacoure back from injury he’s probably the Everton player most likely to do well for fantasy managers.

West Ham won 4-2 at home to Brentford last week and that win moved them back up to eighth place. They have only won once in their last five away games and they conceded 12 goals in those games. The win against Brentford put an end to a run of six games without a win and they conceded 14 goals in those games with no other team in the top half of the table conceding more goals.

Jarrod Bowen showed exactly how good he can be for fantasy managers with his three goals against Brentford and Mohammed Kudus could be worth considering too if West Ham have found some form again.

I think this will be a close game with Everton probably building on their returned points to take the three points and climb further up the table.

Prediction: 1-0

Fulham v Brighton And Hove Albion 

3pm GMT, Craven Cottage, London 

Fulham won 2-1 away to United last week to keep themselves comfortably in mid-table. They have taken 16 points from their last eight home games and they scored 19 goals in those games, but they have some tough home games between now and the end of the season. They have only lost one of their last five games after losing four of the previous five.

Rodrigo Muniz has been the Fulham player most likely to do well for fantasy managers recently.

Brighton drew 1-1 at home to Everton last week despite have to play much of the game with 10 men and that point was enough to keep them in seventh place. They won their last away game after failing to win the previous six and they have a pretty good run of away games coming up. They have taken seven points from their last four games after only taking seven points in the previous seven games and West Ham are the only team in the top half of the table to have conceded more goals.

Pascal Gross continues to impress for fantasy managers while Simon Adingra is a possibility too.

This is another game which could go either way and the chances are it will end all square.

Prediction: 1-1

Newcastle United v Wolverhampton Wanderers 

3pm GMT, St. James’ Park, Newcastle 

Newcastle lost 4-1 away to Arsenal last week and that defeat saw them drop to 10th place. They have only taken two points from their last four home games and they conceded 12 goals in those games, but only three other teams have scored more goals on their own ground. They have only won two of their last nine games, but only the top four have scored more goals.

Anthony Gordon is the Newcastle player most likely to return points for fantasy managers.

Wolves won 1-0 at home to Sheffield United last week and that win moved them into the top half of the table. They have taken 10 points and scored 10 goals in their last four away games and they included victories at Spurs and Chelsea. They have taken 19 points and scored 19 goals in their last nine games and they’re starting to be considered for finishing high enough to qualify for European football for next season.

Pedro Neto and Hwang Hee-Chan are the Wolves players looking good for fantasy managers at the moment.

I think we could see a few goals in this game and Newcastle should just about get the better of Wolves.

Prediction: 3-2

Nottingham Forest v Liverpool 

3pm GMT, City Ground, Nottingham 

Forest lost 4-2 away to Villa last week and they’re now only one place above the bottom three. They have won two of their last four home games after losing the previous four. They have only taken four points from their last six games and they conceded 13 goals in those games with only the three teams below them conceding more goals.

Anthony Elanga and Taiwo Awoniyi are the best of the Forest players for fantasy managers with Morgan Gibbs-White a good choice too.

Liverpool didn’t play last week as they were busy beating Chelsea to win the Carabao Cup final, but they held on to their place at the top of the table. They have won five of their last six away games and they scored 15 goals in those games with only Arsenal and City scoring more goals on the road. They have won seven of their last eight games and they scored 26 goals in those games with no other team scoring more goals and only Arsenal conceding less.

If he’s fit to play Mohamed Salah is the Liverpool player to have for fantasy managers, but it’s hard to know who else to pick with all of their injuries.

Despite their injury problems I think Liverpool will win this game with a couple of goals to spare.

Prediction: 1-3

Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace 

3pm GMT, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London 

Spurs didn’t play last week and they’re now five points off the top four, but they do have a game in hand. They lost their last home game after winning the previous five and they scored 16 goals in those six games. They have taken 20 points from their last 10 games and they scored 23 goals in those games.

Son Heung-Min and Richarlison are the best bets in the Spurs team for fantasy managers while James Maddison can do well for them too.

Palace won 3-0 at home to Burnley last week and that win gave them an eight point gap over the relegation zone. They haven’t won in seven away games and they conceded 17 goals in those games with only the bottom two conceding more goals on their travels. They have taken 10 points from their last seven games, but they conceded 16 goals in those games and only three other teams have scored less goals.

With their best players injured it’s not easy to see any Palace players who can make a difference for fantasy managers.

I think Spurs will continue their pursuit of a top four finish by winning this game by a couple of goals.

Prediction: 3-1

Luton Town v Aston Villa 

5.30pm GMT, Kenilworth Road, Luton 

Luton didn’t play last week which meant they stayed in the bottom three and they now find themselves four points adrift of safety. They have lost five of their last seven home games and they conceded 14 goals in those games, but they scored 13 goals. They have only taken one point from their last four games and they conceded 13 goals in those games with only the two teams below them conceding more goals.

Carlton Morris is in good form for fantasy managers while Elijah Adebayo could be worth considering too if he’s fit to play.

Villa won 4-2 at home to Forest last week and that win strengthened their grip on fourth place. They have won their last two away games and they scored seven goals in those games, but they have some very tough away games coming up. They have won three of their last four games and they scored 12 goals in those games with only the three teams above them scoring more goals.

Ollie Watkins is almost a must have for fantasy managers at the moment with Leon Bailey and Douglas Luiz very good options too.

I think Villa will be strong enough to win this game and continue their quest for Champions League football.

Prediction: 1-3

Sunday March 3

Burnley v Bournemouth 

1pm GMT, Turf Moor, Burnley 

Burnley lost 3-0 away to Palace last week and they’re still only off the foot of the table on goal difference with games running out quickly. They have only taken two points from their last five home games and they conceded 12 goals in those games with no other team scoring less goals on their own patch and only Sheffield United conceding more. They have only taken two points from their last eight games and they conceded 22 goals in those games with only Sheffield United scoring less and conceding more goals.

I can’t see any Burnley players doing enough consistently to recommend to fantasy managers.

Bournemouth lost 1-0 at home to City last week, but they’re still eight points clear of the bottom three. They have only taken two points from their last four away games and they conceded nine goals in those games with only Sheffield United conceding more goals on the road. They haven’t won in seven games after winning six of the previous seven with only four other teams scoring less goals.

Dominic Solanke is the stand out Bournemouth player for fantasy managers and they play twice next week.

I think Bournemouth will pile more woe on Burnley by taking all three points in this game.

Prediction: 1-3

Manchester City v Manchester United 

3.30pm GMT, Etihad Stadium, Manchester 

City won 1-0 away to Bournemouth last week and they’re only one point behind Liverpool at the top of the table. They are one of two teams still unbeaten at home with no other team conceding less goals on their own ground. They have taken 29 points from their last 11 games with only Arsenal and Liverpool scoring more and conceding less goals.

Erling Haaland is the City player to have for fantasy managers particularly after his five cup goals in midweek while it’s impossible to ignore Kevin de Bruyne and Phil Foden too.

United lost 2-1 at home to Fulham last week and that defeat put a huge dent in their hopes of a top four finish. They have won their last three away games and they scored eight goals in those games with only the top three taking more points on their travels. They lost their last game after winning the previous four and they scored 12 goals in those games, but no other team in the top half of the table has scored less goals.

If he’s fit to play Rasmus Hojlund is the United player most likely to impress for fantasy managers at the moment.

I can’t see anything other than a City victory in this game and it could be by a lot more than I have predicted.

Prediction: 3-1

Monday March 4

Sheffield United v Arsenal 

8pm GMT, Bramall Lane, Sheffield 

United lost 1-0 away to Wolves last week to leave them rooted to the foot of the table and I can’t see any way they can avoid relegation at this stage. They have only taken one point from their last four home games and they conceded 15 goals in those games with no other team conceding more or scoring less goals on their own patch. They have only won once in their last 10 games with no other team scoring less or conceding more goals.

I can’t see any United players who can perform regularly enough to interest fantasy managers.

Arsenal won 4-1 at home to Newcastle last week to move within two points of Liverpool at the top of the table. They have won their last three away games and they scored 13 goals in those games with no other team scoring more or conceding less goals on road. They have won their last six games and they scored 25 goals in those games with only Liverpool scoring more goals and no other team conceding less.

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

I can’t see anything other than a comfortable Arsenal win in this game.

Prediction: 0-3

That’s it for this week.

See you next week.