Every season at FFUK we like to have a go at predicting what is going to happen in the season ahead. It always sounds so simple. In a years time we can look back and see which of us had any idea what was going on. For a look back at last season’s predictions click here.
The format is we take 5 FFUKers and ask them 5 questions. We ask them to predict the top 6 in the PL at the end of the season, in order. And then the same with the bottom 3. We also ask who will be the top scoring player in FPL this season and who wins the Premier League golden boot? Finally we finish with the old favourite of who will be the biggest flop this season?
So who are our pundits? We have 5 of the best from the community plus myself and Pete. Ive also included everyone’s final FFUK position for last season which some of them will be more pleased about than others, oh and who they support as that often clouds judgement 😉
- Mark Tarbox (128th) Arsenal fan
- James Downie (74th) Aston Villa fan
- Damien O’Neill (8th) Leeds Utd fan
- Roni Friel (27th) Celtic fan
- Jamie Stewart (3rd) Sheffield Wednesday fan
- Peter Cronin (7th) Chelsea fan
- Chris Galloway (59th) Chelsea fan
Have a read of what our “experts” predict and if you think you can do better let us know your predictions.
1. What will the Top 6 in the Premier League be at the end of the season, in order?
Damo “I think City will continue their post lockdown form, swatting teams away for fun. But it will be very close. For me Liverpool haven’t looked their best since the Watford defeat back in March. I think Chelsea have brought in too many new recruits who will have to bed down and perhaps are a better prospect for next season. Leeds could be a good shout for a surprise package this year. They will upset and surprise a lot of teams with their high intensity pressing game, however they will need to be more effective in front of goal as the PL takes no prisoners. Their recent £27m transfer record for Spain’s No.9 show they haven’t waited 16 years to return to England’s top table to dick around with a relegation battle.“
Roni “With it being notoriously difficult to retain the title and this being Liverpool’s 3rd big season with essentially the same starting 11 I think city will have just enough freshness in the squad to overcome them by 4 points or so (winning both the H2H). Chelsea to push Utd hard however team taking time to gel and incorporate the new players may cost them some points pre Xmas. Arsenal to overcome spurs and may just nick a top 4 place dependant upon Chelsea consistency.“
Jamie “You’d have to imagine Liverpool and City would take the top two spots, but Man U looked excellent post-lockdown and Chelsea have had a great transfer window, so maybe it’ll be a four horse race? I’ll go City, Liverpool, Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs.“
Pete “I’m predicting a runaway season for the Blues with our amazing new signings. Liverpool, with a PL win in the bag, will be erratic, and won’t be able to avoid conceding. This was demonstrated by their performances after the league win, that urgency needed to win was instantly lost, and will not return for a while.“
2. What will the bottom 3 be in the Premier League at the end of the season, in order?
Roni “Roy to struggle to hit the magic 42 points this season due lack of quality through the squad with the compressed schedule proving crucial. West Brom could resolve their limited attacking options with the acquisition of FPL budget fav Deeney from Watford, however unlikely to be enough.“
Jamie “I don’t fancy the promoted teams’ chances much I’m afraid. But living in a Leeds post code I suppose I’d best stick up for them. I’ll say West Brom 20th, Fulham 19th and Villa 18th.“
Chris “Ive gone for 2/3 of the promoted sides but after last season’s heroics from Sheffield United this decision doesn’t look quite as straightforward. Villa will struggle again I think“
3. Who will be the top scoring FPL player this season?
Mark “Sterling – City will be on it this year and he is just getting better and better in front of goal“
Damo “I think Salah will be disappointed with his goal return in the last two seasons so I am expecting more form him this year, however for me it’s going to be Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. If he continues his recent goal scoring form, add that to his positional shift to a midfielder and the combined extra points on offer, playing in a much improved Arsenal side, I expect PEA to do very well. Assuming Messi hasn’t joined City of course.“
James “Sterling- he and city are quality! I think will win league and he will bang em’ in.“
Roni “Sterling !! Massive season ahead with Dilva moving on, aguero injuries and Jesus patchy form I can see him being an attacking mainstay of the city lineup and scoring points for fun in a title winning campaign.“
Jamie “I was close to sticking my neck out and saying Aubameyang – he might not even be at Arsenal by the time they visit The Cottage for the opening fixture, but if he stays I’m confident he’ll have another strong season and the extra points for goals and clean sheets from midfield will boost his FPL tally. But if KDB stays on pens for City then he has the potential to set a new FPL points record, so I’m gonna go with him.“
Pete “KDB – genius, I think City will score well as they always do, but still won’t fix their defence or consistency.“
Chris “Ive gone Salah. He was close last year to making it 3 in a row as top scorer but KDB just pipped him. I predict that Salah does better this season. At the end of the day he has more chances than anyone else so that will do for me“
4. Who will win the Premier League Golden Boot?
Mark “Aubameyang – because he is the best striker in the prem by a long way and Arteta seems to have a plan to get Arsenal playing better.“
Damo “Timo Werner, he’s a proven goal scorer and with the creative additions to Chelsea’s squad I am backing the German for a strong haul.“
James “If Messi goes to city him, but if not Kane or Werner. Messi for obvious reasons. Kane and Werner I think will get most of their teams goals.“
Roni “Sterling! Now this is difficult, expect Werner to make a big splash in the prem! Also expect Rashford to have his highest goal scoring return so far with a capable squad of Attacking players around him. However again can’t see past sterling in an advanced role with my forecast PL winners!!“
Jamie “I always think that if a penalty-taking attacker from the top six can play 3,000 minutes then he’ll get the golden boot. Martial isn’t likely to be on pens. I’ve no idea if Werner will get enough minutes or be on pens. Harry Kane’s injury record over the last few seasons worries me. Aguero and Jesus will share minutes, plus KDB looks to be in the driving seat for pens. Salah’s output seems to be deteriorating, so I’m gonna go for Aubameyang – I think he’ll be a real talisman for Arsenal and should get the magic 3,000 minutes again this season.“
Pete “Werner is a striker, I predict he will slip straight into the role at CFC, and with the creativity around him, will be putting them away for fun.“
Chris “This one is tricky, if Messi signs and it’s a big if then I choose him. Obviously. However he may not sign til late and may not arrive at all. I still predict City to do well though and Aguero is historically the recipient of all those chances. If he can stay fit most of the season he will be up there goals wise.”
5. Who will be the biggest flop this season?
Mark “Vardy – He is done and Leicester are on their way down the league.“
Damo “Marcus Rashford. £9.5m is too much of an outlay for me. Bruno seems to have nailed down pens. Far better value elsewhere.“
James “James Rodriguez is he goes to Everton, was the best in the world- once upon a time. If he doesn’t I think Vardy. I think Leicester could find this season hard and I have a problem with him! He is expensive and won’t get more than 8 goals (i hope).“
Roni “Doherty – The one time FPL fav to have a season to forget points wise, limited opportunity to get forward and a spurs side that continue to be porous at the back could prove costly!“
Jamie “I’m gonna say The Doc. Last season he returned more FPL points than any defender outside of Liverpool FC, and he’s currently the second most selected defender for this coming season. But I think his move to Spurs is a step backwards, both in terms of real life, but more importantly (!) in terms of his potential FPL output.”
Pete “Salah. Liverpool have peaked, if they don’t bring in a couple of big signings to strengthen, the whole team including Salah, will falter.“
Chris “Kane for me his stats have dropped off, he is playing deeper and the pressure increases each year to win something. Kane’s form will suffer as a consequence.“
What do you think? Do you agree with any of the predictions above? Feel free to predict yourself in the comments and we will check back here at the end of the season!
Not long to go now, remember to make sure your team is all set for the GW1 deadline and before that make sure you invite your friends to join the league.
Remember to look after yourself and each FFUKer
Chris
FFUK 