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

• Everton fans are expecting a backlash from Arsenal following their Champions League exit this week. However, one particular Toffees fan pointed out players these days don’t feel defeat and therefore this game will just be whoever turns up on the day. If Arsenal don’t play with passion and Everton turn up on the day with a lot of energy, then Everton has the weapons to beat Arsenal. A lot of them think Ross Barkley could be the first goalscorer, with Romelu Lukaku in the goals as well. Most are predicted a high scoring win.

• Arsenal fans wanted a full strength team against Barcelona because their title charge looks seemingly over. The ‘Wenger Out’ fans are taking over and there will be pressure in the games ahead. But they think Arsenal will probably go on a winning streak because they are effectively out of all competitions.

• Chelsea fans want to play their youngsters against West Ham. They expect that Guus Hiddink will play a normal team though. All they can hope for is the Europa League but many of them don’t want to be in it. They expect a score draw with West Ham, but some are worried by this game against a good side. They expect Chelsea to not turn up for this game.

• West Ham fans hope for a win at Stamford Bridge. They have a good chance and they are happy that Diego Costa and Eden Hazard are out. Some are concerned by this match, but they note every time they are concerned they seem to get a good result. A lot say they would take a draw if offered and others say they shouldn’t be scared of Chelsea and go for a win.

• Crystal Palace fans are surprisingly confident against Leicester probably because they have nothing to lose. The first goal will decide the winner is how they see the game. Leicester beat Palace earlier on in the season through dubious circumstances and Alan Pardew said he wouldn’t forget. Palace have been in such bad form, but they have Yannick Bolasie back and they are getting over their injuries to other key players. They think this game could be a turning point even if they were to lose.

• Leicester fans say Palace are a big and physical side so it will be a difficult game. They would love another 1-0 victory though. Hopefully Palace have their eye on the cup. They say Leicester have been better playing away from home, which should help, at home the team is tense and so is the crowd. Some fans are going for a draw, but most are predicting a 2-0 win.

• Watford fans are looking forward to the Stoke game because cup fever has hit them. The team will also be up for this one, especially as a few players will be playing for a starting spot at Wembley. The result of this game will be down to which Stoke team turn up, most are going for a draw though.

• Stoke fans hint at their players being tired. They hope to hit Watford on the break, which rarely happens by the way. They don’t know who will be starting in the forward positions which again make them unlikely to score. They hope for a bore 0-0 draw so they can rest before the international break.

• West Brom fans think they will beat Norwich. The recent form of both teams suggests that and if the Baggies can play to their strengths they should win this. They note Norwich are a solid team but will lose by around 2-0. West Brom fans are not normally confident but they are for this game.

• Norwich fans like a turnaround in performance from their team. They like their new defensive centre back partnership of Ryan Bennett and Timm Klose, which they believe is a far sturdier unit than Russell Martin and Sebastian Bassong.  They want Patrick Bamford to start up front as well. Nathan Redmond is out for six weeks, which is a blow but they have Robbie Brady back. Both teams have pointed out Norwich’s awful away record and without a good midfield they probably won’t score in this game either.

• Swansea fans are hoping for a win against Villa but it won’t be plain sailing. Swansea are looking a bit tired mentally and they can foresee a lot of silly forward passes that don’t come off. Villa is a potential banana skin and they may park the bus, they also are good at set pieces with Rudy Gestede and Joleon Lescott and could sit back and try to nick a goal. The home supporters could help to make this a nervy match.

• Aston Villa fans think there is no hope for a win but they can keep the score down. They say that even bad teams can score once in a while and so they might get a goal. They do fear Swansea a little bit and say Gylfi Siggurdson needs to be watched. They just want the season to end.

• Newcastle will be playing in their last derby against Sunderland for a while, as one is certain to be relegated. It’s a massive game, a must-win but they think it will be a 1-1 draw. It’s another game where the first goal is important. If they concede first, they will be chasing and will probably nick one at the end. The ground will be rocking and even though the fans sound apprehensive I think they are looking forward to this game.

• Sunderland fans were confident before Rafa Benitez was appointed. Now they hope for a draw. Big Sam will probably set them up not to lose and nick a goal. Big Sam and Rafa have a bit of history and neither manager came out on top. Benitez has had the better squads but Sam Allardyce can outfox him. A 1-1 draw looks very likely.

• Southampton fans say Victor Wanyama will be back for the Liverpool game. They call him a bull in a china shop and playing against light tricky forwards may not go very well. Adam Lallana will probably get booed, which normally has the opposite effect on players. Southampton are more setup to attack now so can envisage a high scoring game.

• Liverpool fans have their eye on the Europa League tie with Man United. They have little to play for in the Premier League though I’m sure Jurgen Klopp will still want to beat Southampton. Most are predicting a high scoring game as well, with them being the victors and their midfielders being in the goals.

• Man City fans say both teams in their derby against United are shot and so a drab draw seems the most likely result. They would really like a win but just can’t see their passion being translated on to the pitch.

• Man United fans have their eye on the Europa League game as well. They aren’t looking forward to it. The game could determine how their match against Man City will go.

• Spurs fans are resigned to defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League and have turned their attention to the Bournemouth game with a degree of optimism. The Cherries are not the same team that Spurs thrashed 5-1 earlier in the season but Spurs fans are still predict a resounding 2-0 victory. Bournemouth will have a go at them so they must stay resilient. Except for missing a few chances, they say Harry Kane had a really good game against Villa and are expecting more goals from him this weekend.

• Bournemouth fans think both teams will score and either team could win. They made a thread of who will be their top scorer this year. Benik Afobe and Joshua King are both on four goals each at the moment and King got 50% of the votes and Afobe 20%.

Score Predictions

*Games where fan’s predictions could be key

Everton 2-2 Arsenal

Chelsea 1-2 West Ham*

Crystal Palace 0-1 Leicester

Watford 2-0 Stoke*

West Brom 2-0 Norwich*

Swansea 1-0 Aston Villa*

Newcastle 1-1 Sunderland

Southampton 1-2 Liverpool

Man City 1-1 Man Utd

Tottenham 2-0 Bournemouth

Conclusion

There probably won’t be that many goals this weekend. The fixtures before the international break have seen some lacklustre performances this season and this could happen again.

Who to captain? Probably Kane. Sigurdsson is a good idea but from what the fans are saying Swansea may not be able to deliver the humiliating defeat of Aston Villa that many Fantasy managers are predicting.