FanPost

score predictions - week 15

Hey managers,

We're back for another week! After a run of weeks where the scores were very close to the predictions, this week was a little bumpier. The model still got 8 of the teams within 0.75 goals, but there were some notable disagreements. Most clearly was Newcastle v Chelsea, which went heavily in favor of the away side. However, the model is still strong in predicting which teams are a lock to put up big numbers, having predicted Man City and Tottenham to come out big winners. So on we go to the next week!

As always, the numbers in parentheses denote how the predicted score differs from the team's average. I bold the stand-out teams, but be sure to take note of which number is bolded. For instance, Liverpool only stands out defensively, not offensively.

Bolton 1.40 (-0.01) -v- Aston Villa 1.60 (+0.48)

Arsenal 2.38 (+0.13) -v- Everton 1.03 (-0.17)

West Brom 1.57 (+0.60) -v- Wigan 0.70 (-0.13)

Norwich 1.23 (-0.19) -v- Newcastle 1.42 (+0.04)

Man United 2.97 (+0.78) -v- Wolves 0.61 (-0.44)

Liverpool 1.71 (+0.47) -v- QPR 0.60 (-0.54)

Swansea 0.94 (-0.07) -v- Fulham 0.77 (-0.31)

Sunderland 2.04 (+0.91) -v- Blackburn 1.10 (-0.46)

Stoke 0.92 (-0.03) -v- Tottenham 2.05 (-0.23)

Chelsea 1.53 (-0.66) -v- Man City 2.58 (-0.94)

Quite a lot to work with it seems. Man United seem to be the pick of the week, as many others have noted. Even though West Brom are "the team playing Wigan" right now, I'd look to Sunderland against Blackburn as the "kick-em-while-they're-down" matchup. There has been a good deal of debate over whether to keep or drop RvP, as he's playing against Everton. The model actually shows this as an above average week for the gunners (though only barely and mostly because it's at home), so that seals it for me. Furthermore, the prediction that Man City will go to the Bridge and put up big numbers may seem ballsy, but they certainly didn't have any problems visiting Old Trafford. Good luck with your picks!