FanPost

score predictions - week 22

Hey managers,

I hope you had an okay time in this very low-scoring week. It was a low scoring week, 22 goals to the regular ~28, but I think the biggest issue was how well the goals were distributed amongst the players. No player scored more than one goal on the week, which I feel must be somewhat uncommon. Just 8 teams were within 0.75 points of the prediction, though several more were just outside that range. The major offensive prediction of the week (Man U) came out well, though it probably resulted in only a few points because of how the goals went (can anyone prove they expected Scholes to score?). The defensive predictions actually worked out as well, with Man City and Liverpool holding off the opposition. Only Tottenham disappointed with just a single goal. I hope you managed to scrape your way through the week! Next week's predictions are below.

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, as that changes the interpretation.

Norwich 1.70 (+0.14) -v- Chelsea 2.00 (+0.09)

Stoke 1.20 (+0.17) -v- West Brom 0.87 (-0.15)

Wolves 1.25 (+0.13) -v- Aston Villa 1.16 (+0.02)

Fulham 1.00 (-0.03) -v- Newcastle 1.19 (-0.27)

Everton 1.86 (+0.84) -v- Blackburn 1.17 (-0.45)

Sunderland 1.17 (-0.13) -v- Swansea 0.73 (-0.34)

QPR 1.48 (+0.54) -v- Wigan 0.93 (+0.01)

Bolton 0.90 (-0.41) -v- Liverpool 1.51 (+0.36)

Man City 2.29 (-0.37) -v- Tottenham 0.85 (-1.01)

Arsenal 1.73 (-0.21) -v- Man United 2.01 (-0.37)

It appears to be a week of slim fantasy pickings, though perhaps that means it's a better week for spectators. Man City have the highest predicted score, though it's not in the range I usually bold. Similarly, Sunderland look to be the best prospect for a clean sheet, though it isn't a stand-out match in that respect. The model favors Wolves over Villa, which will be an interesting outcome to watch. And Tottenham look like hopeless underdogs to City, but a win away would really make a statement in the title race. What do you foresee for these games? Will you be tempted to pick up everyone's favorite American given the model's recommendation? Good luck with your picks!