Community

What The Fans Are Saying – Gameweek 36

This article discusses ‘What the fans are saying’ for the Gameweek ahead by delving into their forums and unearthing their predictions of how the games will be played.

Fans Predictions

Despite the heartbreak of the FA Cup semi-final loss, Everton fans aren’t too disheartened. They really liked their second half performance; they’ve got their mojo back they feel. However, they still want Roberto Martinez to get sacked but also want Everton to try hard in their remaining games against relegation-threatened teams as a mark of respect to the league. The predictions for the game are quite low though, mostly a 1-1 draw.

Bournemouth fans think Josh King’s pace will cause Everton problems, as he did in their previous encounter. It will be a tough match unless they can up their game. They can foresee a victory for themselves, but it depends on whether Everton can play better after recent bad results as well. They think there will be goals here, which is a prediction they make every week.

Newcastle fans are predicting a home win against Crystal Palace. They even dream of a clean sheet, with most predictions being around 2-0. They hate the Palace manager Alan Pardew, not because of the results but because his management when he was in charge at the Toon was perceived as destroying the ‘barmy army’ feeling around the club.

Crystal Palace fans think their fantastic result last Sunday in the FA Cup will give them enough momentum to put in a solid performance against Newcastle. A draw, most likely 1-1, is a popular prediction.

Stoke fans are not optimistic about their chances against Sunderland. They say they’ve been playing worse than Villa in recent weeks and and must have broken all records for injuries this season. Ryan Shawcross is half fit and they are missing their first choice full-backs, which doesn’t help their situation. The fans don’t think Stoke will score, and they expect to concede. A 2-0 loss with Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe getting on the scoresheet is the popular prediction, while Jonathan Walters’ possible return from injury offers some hope.

Sunderland fans are predicting an away win with 1-2 the most common prediction. They say everything points to a Sunderland victory, which worries them, but this is the time of year when Sunderland play differently – they play well. There isn’t much talk of tactics because they kind of know how they will play so they will just sit back, watch and hope.

The Watford rumour mill is focused firmly on the expected release of manager Quique Flores Sanchez at the end of the season. While they respect his ability to set up a team well defensively   they are fairly ambivalent about whether he stays or goes. Some would like him to stay, while others believe another manager could do better. A lack of attacking intent is a major gripe and they want to see goals against Villa this weekend. Many are reminded of striker Troy Deeney’s good display against Villa earlier this season and believe he should prosper again.

Aston Villa fans don’t like Jack Grealish one little bit. The young midfielder is preoccupying Villa fans this week and they have given up making specific match predictions altogether. They expect to lose every game and they probably will.

West Brom fans are expecting goals in their match against West Ham and fear Andy Carroll in particular. They also think their striker Salomon Rondon will be in the goals. Following their improved performance against Spurs on Monday there is a lot of optimism amongst Baggies fans.

West Ham fans are hoping to go back to 4-2-3-1 for their remaining games with perhaps Michail Antonio pushed back on to the wing. They think it’s a winnable game and that there will be goals. They want Andy Carroll up front and hope that pace and technical ability will see them through. Again, they don’t expect to keep a clean sheet with most predicting a 2-1 win. In particular they want to see Manuel Lanzini convert the high number of easy chances he is getting.

There will some sort of protest at Arsenal versus Norwich. Gunners fans aren’t happy with the board and want a fresh approach. A lot don’t want to watch this game and some think it will be a boring match. They haven’t really made any specific predictions, just a lot of whinging about board level matters. Many still think they will win, although possibly not by a high margin. Alex Iwobi is the only one whose place could be at risk.

Norwich fans don’t expect Arsenal to play as badly as they did last weekend and expect to lose. They will struggle without Timm Klose to organise the defence and think they will concede a lot. They also can’t imagine them scoring so many are predicting a 4-0 loss. Arsenal’s main striker, whether it be Oliver Giroud or Danny Welbeck, is expected to have a good game.

Strangely Swansea‘s forums are devoid of any discussion about their match against Liverpool. It’s a first and perhaps they may be embarrassed by their heavy loss to Leicester last weekend. I’m guessing they don’t expect much from the match. They talk a lot of takeovers and new players but not of this weekend.

Liverpool fans are disappointed about the 1-0 loss to Villareal. They bemoan the lack of Daniel Sturridge in Europe and think he won’t play against Swansea as they will really need him in the midweek second leg. They haven’t really said anything about the Sunday game because they aren’t really bothered by it. So again, I can’t tell what the team will be. The smart money though would be on heavy rotation as they focus on Villareal.

Manchester United fans are surprisingly optimistic against Leicester and most think they can get a win. A lot of fans think their team have turned a corner but other fans are warning them that Leicester can still slice them open on the counter attack even without Jamie Vardy. Most believe Leicester will have to wait a little longer to claim the title.

Leicester fans are looking forward to potentially winning the league against Manchester United and most expect a win. If Wayne Rooney plays in midfield many are predicting he will be embarrassed by N’Golo Kante and a dominant Leicester midfield. However, there is concern about the Red Devils’ strong defensive display at home and improving attack, making a draw a real possibility.

Southampton fans notice that Manchester City will have one eye on their Champions League semi-final. This makes a draw a popular prediction, as they expect to concede but feel they have enough to score once or twice. To win, Southampton’s team selection needs to focus on pace and hard work as they play tight and hit Man City on the break with pace. They are expecting rotation among their attacking places, but also for Man City too.

Man City fans would have liked Yaya Toure, David Silva and Samir Nasri to be have been fit for this game as they want to rest the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and even Sergio Aguero ahead of their second leg Champions League clash with Real Madrid. There is concern about slipping out of the top four, but they believe even with rotation they can win. Many think Kelechi Iheanacho will start instead of Aguero and that the game will be tight. 

Chelsea fans are looking forward to their game with Spurs. They want to win to stop their London rivals winning the title and to also help out their former manager Claudio Ranieri. The atmosphere will be brilliant for once but they believe the best they can do is to get a draw. They comment on their shambolic defence this season and can’t see any improvement soon. Spurs are set to control the midfield, according to Chelsea fans, with  a 1-1 draw a realistic outcome.

Spurs fans are mainly discussing who will replace the suspended Dele Alli, who has been handed a three-match ban for violent conduct. They can’t decide between Nacer Chadli or Son to play on the wing with Christian Eriksen playing centrally, or Ryan Mason to play in Alli’s role. Chadli and Son don’t track back and they will need to press Chelsea, so that’s why they’ve guessed at Mason playing. They think they can score a couple on the counter attack and hope for a win, but are naturally a bit deflated that their title challenge is waning. 

Score Predictions

Everton 2-1 Bournemouth

Newcastle 2-1 Crystal Palace

Stoke 0-2 Sunderland

Watford 2-0 Aston Villa

West Brom 2-3 West Ham

Arsenal 3-0 Norwich

Swansea 1-1 Liverpool

Man Utd 0-0 Leicester

Southampton 1-1 Man City

Chelsea 0-2 Tottenham

Conclusion

I hope you have a good bench. There will be plenty of rotation but also opportunities for differentials this Gameweek. Who to captain? Alexis Sanchez looks the safest bet. I was going to say whoever the Arsenal striker was but then I remembered Sanchez is playing very close to the striker at the moment. Norwich’s Achilles heel are good strikers and even more so with Klose out. Other players expected to do well this week are Josh King, Jermain Defoe and Troy Deeney.

23 Comments Post a Comment
  1. J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    thanks for this. Defoe and Carroll looking good for points it seems. Sanchez a nice safe captaincy bet…well on paper anyway.

  2. FionnMac
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Any love for Fabregas as an Alli replacement? Cheaper alternative is Townsend, but I can just about afford Fab...

    1. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I went for Townsend

  3. Kings of Lyon ★
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Great read!

  4. Geordienufc1
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Always an interesting read. Cheers!

  5. Pompel
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    So Sturridge and Kun not starting according to fans - and I've got both 🙁

  6. Prøphet
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Amazing read as always! Thanks a lot mate!

  7. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Big guns being held back or the cups ! I sense angst there will be on FFS

  8. BigManBakar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Thanks a lot for the great read! 😉

  9. adidasOriginals
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    What are the chances of the following playing this weekend?

    Mitro
    KDB
    Mangala
    Gabriel

    Thanks

  10. HVT
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Slightly concerned now that Aguero may not start, a good read and would agree with most of the predictions.

  11. I.K
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    this is my favourite article
    So I'm going Caroll,Defoe,Deneey Frontline

  12. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Thanks!

  13. Netley Lucas
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    I have noted in past weeks that many correct 'tricky' calls have been made by the fans in this weekly article. It's becoming a 'must read', thanks Bolivian Seaman, great work. 😉

  14. Will - Fantasy Football Hub
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Top work. Interesting to read that Liverpool fans think Sturridge won't play at the weekend.. I really need one of him or Firmino to start for Sky captaincy strategy.

    Sounds like Mignolet will be benched as well. Will we see any Liverpool first team players?

  15. Az
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    great read! Baggies didnt get a win at Spurs though 🙂

  16. BR
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Lovely stuff

  17. FantasyIsEpic
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Will Arnatovic play cause I got Defoe On bench so should i start him?

    1. madame shelly
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      start Defoe regardless

  18. Hakuho FPL
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Great article! on my WC thanks.

  19. Back on the horse
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Brilliant article. Must be hard to summarise all that chat. great stuff. thanks for the effort and time put in all season.

  20. BullDogTevez
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    DGW defenders. Who are the must's?

    Currently have Bellerin Mert Cresswell PVA Moreno

    Mert will go this week but for who?

  21. richardpwbarnes
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Does anyone know what happens if your head 2 head is a draw?