We wanted to post this before deadline this morning but, due to our technical issues, we were unable to take that opportunity. Rather than waste the chance to embarrass ourselves, however, we thought we’d stick these up this evening, regardless.
Last season many of us were left red-faced thanks to our terrible predictions for the 2012/13 season.
I was left particularly embarrassed with my now laughable assertion that Charles N’Zogbia would be last season’s best differential. Meanwhile Granville’s predictions that Sam Alladyce would be the first boss to bite the bullet and Shinji Kagawa would be the season’s top assister also failed to materialise.
Credit though went to Anorak for correctly predicting that Michu would be the year’s star budget midfielder. Hard to believe the attacking midfielder was initially priced at just 6.5m at the start of last season. Mark’s prediction that Rickie Lambert would shine in the budget forward category also proved correct.
But enough of last year, here’s our thoughts on the season ahead for you to bookmark and use to embarrass/congratulate us as the season progresses.
Moderator Evs knows all about Top 5s, he was a top 5 player at the end the FPL 2012/13 season and was even in with a shout of winning the competition on the final day. Will his experience reap dividends when it comes to predicting the 2013/14 season?
The Premier League
Top Five (1-5): Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham
Bottom Four (17-20): Hull, Palace, Stoke, Fulham
This year’s Overachievers: Southampton
This Year’s Underachievers: Fulham
Top Goalscorer: Robin Van Persie
Most Assists: Theo Walcott
Team with Most Clean Sheets: Liverpool
Most Yellow Cards: Gary Medel
First Boss to Bite the Bullet: Marin Jol
Worst Signing: Nacer Chadli
Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Top Points Scorers
Overall Top Points Scorer: Robin Van Persie
Top Bonus Point Darling: Vincent Kompany
Best Differential: Romelu Lukaku
Top Scoring Budget Goalkeeper (5.0 and under): Michel Vorm
Top Scoring Budget Defender (5.0 and under): Kolo Toure
Top Scoring Budget Midfielder (6.5 and under): Kim Bo-kyung
Top Scoring Budget Forward (6.5 and under): Gary Hooper
Podcast star and Manchester United fan Granville admits his top of the Premier League selection has pained him greatly. He’ll surely be hoping his optimism about the light blue half of Manchester will be proved wrong come Gameweek 38.
The Premier League
Top Five (1-5): Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool
Bottom Four (17-20): Stoke, Norwich, Crystal Palace, Hull
This year’s Overachievers: Aston Villa
This Year’s Underachievers: Arsenal
Top Goalscorer: Robin Van Persie
Most Assists: Jesus Navas
Team with Most Clean Sheets: Liverpool
Most Yellow Cards: Mile Jedinak
First Boss to Bite the Bullet: Steve Bruce
Worst Signing: Valentin Roberge
Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Top Points Scorers
Overall Top Points Scorer: Robin Van Persie
Top Bonus Point Darling: Robin Van Persie
Best Differential: Iago Aspas
Top Scoring Budget Goalkeeper (5.0 and under): Artur Boruc
Top Scoring Budget Defender (5.0 and under): Kolo Toure
Top Scoring Budget Midfielder (6.5 and under): Wilfried Zaha
Top Scoring Budget Forward (6.5 and under): Andreas Cornelius
In Tommy We Trust, our resident stat expert, members’ area table creator and moderator fears the worst for Sunderland’s manager and the prospects of Manchester City’s Jesus Navas. In contrast though there’ll be dancing in the streets of the Welsh capital when Cardiff narrowly avoid the drop.
The Premier League
Top Five (1-5): Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham
Bottom Four (17-20): Cardiff, Sunderland, Hull, Crystal Palace,
This year’s Overachievers: Southampton
This Year’s Underachievers: Manchester United
Top Goalscorer: RVP
Most Assists: Silva
Team with Most Clean Sheets: Liverpool
Most Yellow Cards: Shawcross
First Boss to Bite the Bullet: Di Canio
Worst Signing: Navas
Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Top Points Scorers
Overall Top Points Scorer: RVP
Top Bonus Point Darling: RVP
Best Differential: Mirallas
Top Scoring Budget Goalkeeper (5.0 and under): Ben Foster
Top Scoring Budget Defender (5.0 and under): Ashley Williams
Top Scoring Budget Midfielder (6.5 and under): Adam Lallana
Top Scoring Budget Forward (6.5 and under): Andreas Cornelius
Community manager Jonty predicts a title winning season for Chelsea and that under Paulo Di Canio’s management Sunderland will have a vastly improved 2013/14.
The Premier League
Top Five (1-5): Chelsea, Man City, Man United, Arsenal, Liverpool
Bottom Four (17-20): Norwich, West Brom, Hull, Crystal Palace
This year’s Overachievers: Sunderland
This Year’s Underachievers: Manchester United
Top Goalscorer: Robin Van Persie
Most Assists: Juan Mata
Team with Most Clean Sheets: Chelsea
Most Yellow Cards: Cheick Tiote
First Boss to Bite the Bullet: Alan Pardew
Worst Signing: Ricky Van Wolfswinkel
Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Top Points Scorers
Overall Top Points Scorer: Robin Van Persie
Top Bonus Point Darling: Robin Van Persie
Best Differential: Lucas Podolski
Top Scoring Budget Goalkeeper (5.0 and under): Artur Boruc
Top Scoring Budget Defender (5.0 and under): Kolo Toure
Top Scoring Budget Midfielder (6.5 and under): Jonathan Walters
Top Scoring Budget Forward (6.5m and under): Nicolas Anelka
Andy topped the Fantasy Football Scout contributors league last season and finally joined the top 1,000 FPL rank club. But how will his predictions for this season shape up? Stoke’s manager will certainly be hoping his mojo has left him.
The Premier League
Top Five (1-5): Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, Arsenal
Bottom Four (17-20): Cardiff, Stoke, Hull, Crystal Palace
This year’s Overachievers: Norwich
This Year’s Underachievers: Manchester United
Top Goalscorer: Robin Van Persie
Most Assists: Santi Cazorla
Team with Most Clean Sheets: Chelsea
Most Yellow Cards: Gary Medel
First Boss to Bite the Bullet: Mark Hughes
Worst Signing: Diego Lugano
Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Top Points Scorers
Overall Top Points Scorer: Robin Van Persie
Top Bonus Point Darling: Robin Van Persie
Best Differential: Ricky Van Wolfswinkel
Top Scoring Budget Goalkeeper (5.0 and under): Artur Boruc
Top Scoring Budget Defender (5.0 and under): Seamus Coleman
Top Scoring Budget Midfielder (6.5 and under): Robert Snodgrass
Top Scoring Budget Forward (6.5 and under): Nicolas Anelka
Anorak, our custodian of the suspension tightrope, has gazed into his yellow tinted crystal ball and predicts cards a plenty for Cardiff’s new defensive midfielder.
The Premier League
Top Five (1-5): Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham
Bottom Four (17-20): Stoke, Fulham, Crystal Palace, Hull
This year’s Overachievers: Southampton
This Year’s Underachievers: Fulham
Top Goalscorer: Robin van Persie
Most Assists: Juan Mata
Team with Most Clean Sheets: Chelsea
Most Yellow Cards: Gary Medel
First Boss to Bite the Bullet: Martin Jol
Worst Signing: Yaya Sanogo
Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Top Points Scorers
Overall Top Points Scorer: Robin van Persie
Top Bonus Point Darling: Robin van Persie
Best Differential: Emanuele Giaccherini
Top Scoring Budget Goalkeeper (5.0 and under): Artur Boruc
Top Scoring Budget Defender (5.0 and under): Kolo Toure
Top Scoring Budget Midfielder (6.5 and under): Robert Snodgrass
Top Scoring Budget Forward (6.5 and under): Jay Rodriguez
Greenwindmill admits to referring back to our often blunderous predictions for 2012/13 over the last few months for a chuckle. Now a moderator it’s his turn to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous ridicule.
The Premier League
Top Five (1-5): Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool
Bottom Four (17-20): Cardiff City, Fulham, Hull City, Crystal Palace
This year’s Overachievers: Stoke City
This Year’s Underachievers: Fulham
Top Goalscorer: Robin Van Persie
Most Assists: David Silva
Team with Most Clean Sheets: Liverpool
Most Yellow Cards: Steven Nzonzi
First Boss to Bite the Bullet: Martin Jol
Worst Signing: Jozy Altidore
Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Top Points Scorers
Overall Top Points Scorer: Theo Walcott
Top Bonus Point Darling: Robin Van Persie
Best Differential: Andreas Weimann
Top Scoring Budget Goalkeeper (5.0 and under): Michel Vorm
Top Scoring Budget Defender (5.0 and under): Kolo Toure
Top Scoring Budget Midfielder (6.5 and under): Adam Lallana
Top Scoring Budget Forward (6.5 and under): Andreas Weimann
Applebonkers’ bonus point predicting powers left us mesmerised last season, but will we be similarly impressed this season with his predictions for Premier League and FPL success? Fans of Aston Villa will certainly be hoping this Fantasy Football Scout moderator can replicate his fortune telling skills this season.
The Premier League
Top Five (1-5): Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham
Bottom Four (17-20): Cardiff, Fulham, Hull, Crystal Palace
This year’s Overachievers: Aston Villa
This Year’s Underachievers: Fulham
Top Goalscorer: Christian Benteke
Most Assists: Robin Van Persie
Team with Most Clean Sheets: Manchester United
Most Yellow Cards: N’Zonzi
First Boss to Bite the Bullet: Maritn Jol
Worst Signing: Curtis Davies
Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Top Points Scorers
Overall Top Points Scorer: Robin Van Persie
Top Bonus Point Darling: Robin Van Persie
Best Differential: Jay Rodriguez
Top Scoring Budget Goalkeeper (5.0 and under): Michel Vorm
Top Scoring Budget Defender (5.0 and under): Erik Pieters
Top Scoring Budget Midfielder (6.5 and under): Pablo Hernandez
Top Scoring Budget Forward (6.5 and under): Jay Rodriguez
In Like Flynn is another to foresee a P45 for Newcastle’s manager in his crystal ball. But in more positive news, could this finally be the season where Jack Wilshire emerges as a top midfield pick? This moderator clearly thinks so.
The Premier League
Top Five (1-5): Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester Utd, Arsenal, Tottenham
Bottom Four (17-20): Newcastle,Cardiff, Hull, Crystal Palace
This year’s Overachievers: Swansea
This Year’s Underachievers: Stoke City
Top Goalscorer: Robin Van Persie
Most Assists: Philippe Coutinho
Team with Most Clean Sheets: Manchester City
Most Yellow Cards: Damien Delaney
First Boss to Bite the Bullet: Alan Pardew
Worst Signing: Eliot Grandin
Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Top Points Scorers
Overall Top Points Scorer: Wilfried Bony
Top Bonus Point Darling: Santi Cazorla
Best Differential: Shinji Kagawa
Top Scoring Budget Goalkeeper (5.0 and under): Michel Vorm
Top Scoring Budget Defender (5.0 and under): Ben Davies
Top Scoring Budget Midfielder (6.5 and under): Jack Wilshere
Top Scoring Budget Forward (6.5 and under): Jay Rodriguez
Poor old Crystal Palace. The London side look certain for the drop, according to Torres Magic. However, our moderator foresees a brighter future for Newcastle, who he predicts will have a far better 2013/14 than last season.
The Premier League
Top Five (1-5): Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool
Bottom Four (17-20): Cardiff, Stoke, Hull, Crystal Palace
This year’s Overachievers: Newcastle
This Year’s Underachievers: Tottenham
Top Goalscorer: Robin Van Persie
Most Assists: David Silva
Team with Most Clean Sheets: Manchester City
Most Yellow Cards: Cheike Tiote
First Boss to Bite the Bullet: Mark Hughes
Worst Signing: Ricky Van Wolfswinkel
Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Top Points Scorers
Overall Top Points Scorer: Robin Van Persie
Top Bonus Point Darling: Robin Van Persie
Best Differential: Jay Rodriguez
Top Scoring Budget Goalkeeper (5.0 and under): Michel Vorm
Top Scoring Budget Defender (5.0 and under): Kolo Toure
Top Scoring Budget Midfielder (6.5 and under): Robert Snodgrass
Top Scoring Budget Forward (6.5 and under): Jay Rodriguez
Spencer is another of our moderators to be convinced Jose Mourinho’s magic will prevail in the Premier League title chase this year. This year’s assist crown will also be travelling to west London, he predicts.
The Premier League
Top Five (1-5): Chelsea, Man City, Manchester Utd, Liverpool, Arsenal.
Bottom Four (17-20): Hull, Cardiff, Newcastle, Crystal Palace.
This year’s Overachievers: Liverpool
This Year’s Underachievers: Newcastle
Top Goalscorer: Robin Van Persie
Most Assists: Eden Hazard
Team with Most Clean Sheets: Chelsea
Most Yellow Cards: Marouane Fellaini
First Boss to Bite the Bullet: Alan Pardew
Worst Signing: José Campana
Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Top Points Scorers
Overall Top Points Scorer: Eden Hazard
Top Bonus Point Darling: Robin Van Persie
Best Differential: Nikica Jelavic
Top Scoring Budget Goalkeeper (5.0 and under): Artur Boruc
Top Scoring Budget Defender (5.0 and under): Kolo Toure
Top Scoring Budget Midfielder (6.5 and under): Leon Osman
Top Scoring Budget Forward (6.5 and under): Jay Rodriguez
From his moderating base in New Zealand Ryan is predicting a stellar year for Chelsea and their defenders and believes the bonus point gods are likely to smile down on Arsenal’s Spanish playmaker.
The Premier League
Top Five (1-5): Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham
Bottom Four (17-20): Sunderland, Stoke, Hull, Crystal Palace
This year’s Overachievers: Aston Villa
This Year’s Underachievers: Stoke
Top Goalscorer: Robin Van Persie
Most Assists: Philippe Coutinho
Team with Most Clean Sheets: Chelsea
Most Yellow Cards: Sunderland
First Boss to Bite the Bullet: Alan Pardew
Worst Signing: Arouna Kone
Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Top Points Scorers
Overall Top Points Scorer: Robin Van Persie
Top Bonus Point Darling: Santi Cazorla
Best Differential: Nikica Jelavic
Top Scoring Budget Goalkeeper (5.0 and under): Michel Vorm
Top Scoring Budget Defender (5.0 and under): Seamus Coleman
Top Scoring Budget Midfielder (6.5 and under): Robert Snodgrass
Top Scoring Budget Forward (6.5 and under): Jay Rodriguez
Our resident scribe Paul has somehow found a spare moment between frantic article writing to cast his eye over the forthcoming season. Tottenham’s new striker is among those he is expecting big things from.
The Premier League
Top Five (1-5): Chelsea, City, Arsenal, United, Spurs
Bottom Four (17-20): West Brom, Crystal Palace, Hull, Cardiff,
This year’s Overachievers: Southampton
This Year’s Underachievers: Man United
Top Goalscorer: Roberto Soldado
Most Assists: David Silva
Team with Most Clean Sheets: Chelsea
Most Yellow Cards: Gary Medel
First Boss to Bite the Bullet: Malky Mackay
Worst Signing: Dwight Gayle
Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Top Points Scorers
Overall Top Points Scorer: Theo Walcott
Top Bonus Point Darling: Jan Vertonghen
Best Differential: Oscar
Top Scoring Budget Goalkeeper (5.0 and under): Michel Vorm
Top Scoring Budget Defender (5.0 and under): Kolo Toure
Top Scoring Budget Midfielder (6.5 and under): Robert Snodgrass
Top Scoring Budget Forward (6.5 and under): Darren Bent
And finally the man in charge, Mark, tears himself away from checking server loads to offer his thoughts on the season ahead. Desperately trying to hide his slight Arsenal bias, whilst failing to conceal is undying affections for Robin van Persie.
The Premier League
Top Five (1-5): United, Chelsea, Arsenal, City, Liverpool
Bottom Four (17-20): Stoke, Cardiff, Hull, Crystal Palace
This year’s Overachievers: Southampton
This Year’s Underachievers: Man City
Top Goalscorer: Robin van Persie
Most Assists: Theo Walcott
Team with Most Clean Sheets: Chelsea
Most Yellow Cards: Marouane Fellaini
First Boss to Bite the Bullet: Ian Holloway
Worst Signing: Ricky van Wolfswinkel
Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Top Points Scorers
Overall Top Points Scorer: Robin Van Persie
Top Bonus Point Darling: Santi Cazorla
Best Differential: Andreas Weimann
Top Scoring Budget Goalkeeper (5.0 and under): Michel Vorm
Top Scoring Budget Defender (5.0 and under): Seamus Coleman
Top Scoring Budget Midfielder (6.5 and under): Robert Snodgrass
Top Scoring Budget Forward (6.5 and under): Andreas Weimann
10 years, 9 months agoAbout 200 out of 500 would be knocked out of Early Bird if the gameweek ended now. Quite a few in trouble in LMS as the average is 31.