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What The Fans Are Saying – Gameweek 3

This article tries to answer the question ‘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

Tottenham fans aren’t impressed; their games are nervy and probably will be for a while or until Moussa Dembele comes back. Most predict a very tough game when Liverpool visit this weekend.  Some are quite happy with a draw though others are hoping they can sneak a small win. Tottenham do better against teams that don’t sit back but the fans aren’t looking forward to this game.

Liverpool will probably play the 4-3-3 formation with a false nine again, pressing high up the pitch. Their weakness is still defence and they will probably concede. If they come away with a point they’d be happy. Some predict they can win, others aren’t so sure. Again Liverpool don’t like playing teams that sit back so it could very well be a high scoring draw, possibly 2-2.. They have pointed out that their midfield is lightweight without Emre Can.

Watford fans are upbeat. They have creative players and are happy to pay to watch them play, unlike last season where ticket money was handed over reluctantly. However, they aren’t upbeat about the Arsenal match. Some think it’s an inevitable loss and Arsenal will run rings around them but some think they can win. There’s some hope but mostly pessimism about Watford assets in Gameweek 3.

Arsenal fans seem more interested in the international break and the transfer market than the Watford clash. They should have a full team but are annoyed that a lack of transfer activity means they will still have to rely on Olivier Giroud for goals. They expect at least a 2-0 win but their chief concern is whether Arsene Wenger will once again let them down and fail to bring in more players when the transfer window finally shuts next week.

Leicester think they will win comfortably against Swansea. Even their most cautious fans think they’ll be victorious. They say they may lack a little bit of fitness or intensity but the quality is still there. Jamie Vardy is still sluggish and a concern but most fans think it will be the same team against Arsenal and could be 3-0. 

Swansea fans think their centre back partnership is suspect. They fear the pace of the Leicester strikers mostly. and rate Jordi Amat more than Federico Fernandez. The latter has regressed because other teams have worked him out, they feel.  The defence is still susceptible at set pieces and prone to errors. Swansea fans fear their team will show Leicester too much respect and sit back. A loss is expected but there are pockets of optimism that the Swans could sneak a victory.

Chelsea fans want Cesc Fabregas to start. Burnley will play 4-4-2 and sit deep, whilst not committing more than three players in their half. They soaked up the pressure last time this fixture came around so Chelsea will need to do something to open Burnley up. Chelsea say they still have a leaky defence and they predict a 2-1 win mainly. Some would also like two strikers up front with Michy Batshuayi getting a start.

Burnley were happy about their Gameweek 2 win against Liverpool, despite having less than 20% possession. But they are less pleased about losing midweek against Accrington Stanley in the League Cup. They are happy with their transfer activity so far but still hope for a signing or two.

Crystal Palace fans are calling for Alan Pardew to be sacked. Palace haven’t got better after their dreadful end to last season. They are happy about Christian Benteke being signed from Liverpool but assume he won’t start. Connor Wickham scores in bunches, he scored midweek and probably the Benteke signing might ignite him. Palace fans like playing teams that attack them and are hoping Bournemouth do but don’t believe they will. On a good day, Palace should win this game.

Bournemouth have quite a large squad to choose from so they are hoping for a few changes. Options include playing Nathan Ake in central midfield, Max Gradel to get a start on the flank and perhaps have Benik Afobe up front. Most are predicting a score draw. Bournemouth haven’t found their rhythm yet but it will come at some point.

Southampton think Sunderland won’t play to get a result so there won’t be much space in behind for Southampton’s pacey forwards. Some expect to win but not by too much. An early goal could create some holes in Sunderland’s defence though. They don’t think they’ll keep a cleansheet because the diamond formation doesn’t give them much protection. The fans don’t like this formation but think their new manager is quite stubborn so it will stay for a while.

Sunderland fans are in two minds about the result, it will either be a draw or a heavy defeat. The team is threadbare at the moment, especially in defence but it depends on whether Southampton turn up and whether David Moyes can stop the party. Donald Love was bought as backup and that’s where he’ll stay after they’ve signed a new right back. The Sunderland fans have been very critical of the former Manchester United defender. Despite the pessimism about the Southampton game they are overall happy and pleased to have David Moyes as manager.

Hull fans are looking forward to this top of the table clash with Manchester United. Hull had most of their men in their box against Swansea, who found it hard to break them down. Hull time waste a lot ,which is normally good for defensive teams. However, the Hull fans still predict to concede about two. Some strangely think they will get a cleansheet but most think it will be 1-2.  

Man United fans are supremely confident against Hull City. They should win handsomely because their team simply has too much quality. They predict a 2-0 or 3-0 win in a poll where a lot of them voted. There is a real buzz around the team at the moment. A few point out that former Red Devils assistant manager Mike Phelan isn’t to be underestimated at the helm at Hull. Half of Manchester United fans have voted Ibrahimovic to be man of the match with Paul Pogba taking a third of votes.

Everton fans are disappointed Seamus Coleman is still injured and are desperate for him to be back. They assume Gerard Deulofeu will be on the bench and that Romelu Lukaku will be back up front. They hope to beat Stoke, who found themselves getting caught on the counter in the second half against Manchester City last weekend. Some fans expect a nervy draw, with others touting a resounding victory with Lukaku the most likely scorer.

Stoke fans say Everton look good at the moment so they’d take a point if offered. Stoke need to shore up their defence and get a goal on the break to have a chance. They predict a loss and aren’t looking forward to seeing Erik Pieters defend against Everton’s right winger. 

West Brom fans say there is pressure on Tony Pulis because they lost midweek. I think it’s more hope than anything concrete. Pulis will be around for a while but they don’t want him to be. He does seem to get results when the pressure is on, though, so against Middlesborough they’ll probably win. The Baggies don’t like playing against teams that sit back and they assume ‘Boro will pass it around, which are the teams Pulis does best against. It’s going to be a low scoring game versus the ‘Boro, according to the fans.

Middlesborough think the Baggies’ clash could be 1-1. Again they predict a low-scoring encounter with most choosing Alvaro Negredo as first goalscorer.  Last year  though the evidence pointed to most goals being scored against West Brom from midfield, which could mean Gaston Ramirez gets on the score sheet.  They have been unlucky with injuries of late, with George Friend among the latest on the treatment table, but hopefully it shouldn’t impact this game. They fear errors from Brad Guzan in goal though.

Manchester City are happy Andy Carroll won’t play because he always seems to do well against them. Last year West Ham took four points off them and the fans still can’t understand why. They are sure of a win this time around especially as West Ham will be tired from their disappointing Europa League qualification campaign that saw them jettisoned from the competition this week. Manchester City are happy they played quite badly against Stoke on a rainy day and still won 4-1. There is also talk of John Stones  becoming captain one day.

West Ham don’t seem to have enough time to predict the Man City match, with their Europa league exit and injury concerns.  What little they do say about the potential team centres around a dislike of Enner Valencia up top. One bright spark appears to be Ashley Fletcher, who is popular among fans.

Conclusion

There doesn’t seem to be many upsets around this week. There also doesn’t seem to be many big wins. The fans seem as confused as we do but it is only the third week into the season. They will just be watching.

Who to captain? Aguero looks the best bet. This could get boring but how can anyone look past the best striker in the league, with statistics through the roof, playing in a team who are passing him the ball at every moment. I’ll choose a second – Riyad Mahrez, my limited stats could be pointing towards him. Meanwhile, Olivier Giroud could be the best differential. Ignored and often derided, he could nevertheless prosper against Watford.

44 Comments Post a Comment
  1. J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    I'm starting to worry about not owning Mahrez now.

    thanks as ever...think the fans have nailed it prediction wise this week.

    1. A Moon Shaped Pool
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      He's not the same mahrez like last season. Maybe give him 3 games more.

    2. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      No worry I'd say. Fixtures after Swans are not very good. Personally I'm keeping Vardy for this GW only, shipping next GW

    3. superfrank
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      You have been backing Hazard.... keep the faith

  2. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    When they say perhaps have Benik Afobe up front. Do Bournemouth fans mean Wilson might be dropped ?

  3. FantaCity
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Great article as ever, and I appreciate the huge amount of research that goes into this from trawling the fan sites

  4. Beanz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Foster
    Valencia Stones Holding
    Haz Mahrez Redmond Townsend
    Kun Ibra Grey

    Heaton Capoue Friend Amat

    a.) Good to go
    b.) Play Capoue over Grey
    c.) Other - please suggest.

    1. 404_FC
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      g2g

    2. mbarara gaint
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      b

  5. Clump
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Never fails to be an enjoyable read.
    Thanks.

  6. 404_FC
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    please advice and give some reason would be appreciate.

    1. heaton (che)
    2. jaku (MUN)

    a. capoue (ARS)
    b. ramirez (wba)

    thx

  7. FPL price manipulators are …
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    MY favourite article of the week

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      This.

    2. Pete Campbell
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      This.

  8. El-Kloppico
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Top class article as usual.
    But why Kun(c) over Ibra?

    1. The Mighty One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I agree. It is Hull after all, and I think the Hammers will put up a fight!

      Maybe the Thursday night games will weaken WH?

  9. Backup Dancer
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Great article!

  10. Petr Chec Yourself
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    3 options: Have 2 free transfers
    a) Firmino to Barkley
    b) Kane to Costa
    c) Firmino and Kane to Hazard & Lukaku

    1. Sz21
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      c

  11. BenW1739
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    WC played this week any thoughts on this team? Good bad or average.

    Foster
    McAuley Baines Stones Soaure
    Hazard Barkley Tadic
    Aguero Ibra Lukaku

    Subs Jaku Love capoue Maloney

    1. The Mighty One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Can you squeeze 1.0 from anywhere to do Souare to Shaw? Need some Utd DEF in there.

    2. The Mighty One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Tekkers instead of Lukaku?

      1. BenW1739
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I'll have a look, bit unsure on benteke at the moment due to start on bench tomorrow?

        1. The Mighty One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          True...Lukaku is better tomorrow and in the short term, but I was just following up on ways to upgrade your DEF. The WC should not just be about tomorrow but rather then next month. Luk is better but Bene could be strong. Good luck.

          1. MXF1149
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            Swapped Mirallas for Deloufeu - on form and potentially good link up with fellow Belgium Romelu.. Ain't swapping Negredo for Lukaku until after Stoke because I believe a tough game but smooth sailings after that - anybody agree?

  12. Yankee Toffee
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Good as always!

  13. Orticker
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Need help with My mid: Hazard, Tadic, Deloufu, Ibe, Fletcher
    Got 2 FT
    A. Tadic+Deloufu to Redmond+Barkley
    B. Deloufu to Redmond and save 1FT.

    1. ollieevill
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      B.

      Could be a good option to save over international break incase of injuries

  14. ollieevill
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Don't want to waste a transfer but have no idea what to do ! please help

    Forster
    stones - Evans - Shaw,
    Hazard, Townsend, Mahrez, Capoue
    Aguero, ibra Gray

    subs: Heaton, Friend, March Wilson, Leko

    I have 2 FT and 1.0 IDB

  15. mossel_80
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    who should i trade, for borini?

    Jakupovic
    Valencia//Stones/McAuley
    Ramírez/Tadic/Capoue/Hazard/Mané
    Ibrahimovic/Agüero

    Bench

    Valdés/van Dijk/Kingsley/Borini

  16. StalkingDwarf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Who is the better 4.0 bench fodder? Jaku or Pickford?

    1. thattreblefeeling
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Stop following me

    2. thattreblefeeling
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Jaku 🙂

  17. thattreblefeeling
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Top notch stuff as usual Seaman always a great read

    1. Bolivian Seaman
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks my Bolivian brethren!

  18. Lanley Staurel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Must read article every week. Keep it up mate. Always trust the fans is my view.

    1. Bolivian Seaman
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks

  19. Geoff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Hey. Look here. Post here. Private chat 😉

  20. TheGodFather14
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Morgan or Stones?

  21. Rhinos
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Look forward to this every week. Good stuff.
    Fav line "Burnley fans happy with beating Liverpool but disappointed at losing to Accrington"
    A famous detective and a bodily function come to mind 😛

  22. garpheet
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    great article, thumbs up

  23. mbarara gaint
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    i am worried about coutinho

  24. mbarara gaint
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    aguero is the goal machine,more hard working,more experienced in da league,again when u compare man u & man c,his team have more best creativity players.

  25. mayofc2000
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Guys still adjusting my WC team

    Rondon or Negredo?