The reason I started this regular article is to see if the fans can see anything that we are not anticipating. Even my twin brother is able to spot things in matches that are eluding veteran Fantasy managers. He predicted after the Euro draw was made that Kane would play in a way to not get injured ahead of the summer tournament. Sure enough he does now appear to be playing like a footballer afraid to get his boots dirty, with Gameweek 16 passing him by as he barely troubled the penalty area.
I’m trying to make sense of this crazy season like others are, but what are the variables? The word ‘form’ comes up all the time. I’ve always been tentative of this word, but I hold up my hands and concede that form is better than fixtures, I’d rather have Leicester’s midfield miracle Riyad Mahrez against Manchester City, than say Jermain Defoe against Norwich.
But why exactly has Kane dropped off when he was in such good form? As well as pre-Euros nerves, could the lack of guile in midfield be a factor? As we shall see, some Spurs fans certainly think the latter is the case.
Fans Predictions
– Southampton fans are concerned as to why their team isn’t functioning well at all. They are not the same Southampton as last year and don’t seem to press teams any more. They believe they are in a relegation fight and obviously they believe they will lose to Spurs who will bounce back. Spurs fans are disillusioned with their last game, but they point out that Dembele is back which should give them some steel in the middle. This could be vital to helping Kane do what he does best: harass the opposition penalty area and score goals.
– Arsenal and Man City fans are talking a lot about their big game. Nobody can decide what will happen, who will win or how many goals will be scored. This looks to be a completely unpredictable game. Man City will behoping to slow the game down and hit Arsenal on the break, the Gunners’ main weakness. Whereas, Arsenal fans hope this won’t happen again. Most do predict an Arsenal win though.
– Villa fans are resigning themselves to being relegated. As for their game, they always do badly at Newcastle who are also good in front of the cameras and realise they are playing them at a bad time. But if they keep it tight the Newcastle fans might get on the players’ backs. Toon fans are hopeful of a narrow win as it’s such an important game. They are cynical but when have they ever been optimistic? On the bright side, Villa can’t raise their game.
– Norwich fans think they can’t sit back in their game against Man United. If there was ever a chance to attack, it’s this game. Man Utd fans are trying to sell their tickets and some predict a Norwich win. Not one fan seems to be predicting more than 2.5 goals.
– Liverpool fans realise they have a tough game against Watford, who are set to sit back and hit them on the break. It’s a game that will come down to whoever takes their chances. Hornets fans seem extremely relaxed about the game; they probably don’t care about this result because they are doing so well.
– West Brom fans think they’ll get a win against Bournemouth but not necessarily gain a clean sheet. The Cherries fans think they will get a draw but realise that it could turn into a long-ball game, which doesn’t suit their short passing game. Bournemouth fans are also worried about injuries from their opponents’ hard tackling. I’d predict a Baggies win here based on what the fans are saying.
– Ahead of Jose Mourinho’s departure a nil-nil draw was predicted for the game between Chelsea and Sunderland by both sets of fans, which shows how far the Londoners have plummeted in their fans’ estimations. Both teams can barely score, which Sunderland boss Sam Alladyce will love. The most optimistic Chelsea fans are predicting a 1-0 victory for their side. If you are in need of a 90 minute power nap this tie could be the time to take it, although Mourinho’s departure cold be the wake up call Chelsea’s shot shy attackers need.
– Both Swansea and West Ham are six games without a win but the Hammers seem upbeat about their chances against the Swans. They seem to do well against them, but if Swansea have a new manager in place the Welsh outfit could win as players seek to impress the new manager. According to the fans this looks to be another unpredictable result, in an unpredictable season, with both sides feeling that a draw would be a good outcome.
– A tight game at the Britannia is expected with Palace likely to sit back and try to counter with their quick wingers. Stoke fans hope to have a patient gameplan and may have to sit further back too. Both teams sound quite defensive so don’t expect any fireworks in this game.
– Fans on both sides in the Everton–Leicester game are predicting a high-scoring game. Everton’s fans are concerned about their fragility at set pieces but also have confidence in Romelu Lukaku’s eye for goal and Geard Deulofeu’s wing play. There is some concern from Leicester fans that their defensive rock Robert Huth is missing through suspension but his deputy Yohan Benalouane is held in high regard and fans believe he should be adequate replacement. Unsurprisingly given their recent form Leicester fans are very confident they will score with few entertaining the notion they will lose any game on current form. There are some that believe John Stones will be able to stop Jamie Vardy and Wes Moran will keep Romelu Lukaku in his pocket. But the thought of a clean sheet for either side looks to be wishful thinking with the majority anticipating a score draw.
Conclusion
The fans in the boring games on paper don’t believe any other type of result is possible. They will be dull, well they will be low scoring. Though the big title fights will be laden with goals. Any upset could be at Old Trafford.
Who would I captain? Well it’s got to be one of the form boys. Riyad Mahrez or Jamie Vardy against a not very good Everton defence, or Romelu Lukaku against the Foxes back line. Arsenal’s midfield stars Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey are being talked up by Arsenal fans, as is Olivier Giroud. For those looking to take a punt, Georginio Wijnaldum at home to Villa looks a good shout.
To read more about what the fans think you can use the quick links to the forums from this article.
