With the help of our trusty AI-powered supercomputer, the Opta Analyst gives Premier League predictions across the matches in each gameweek.
Many think our only role here is to produce a plethora of football content. But at Opta Analyst, all our staff share another special position in the world of football.
You see, out back, in the building next to the supercomputer hub, is where all former Premier League managers without jobs spend their days – relaxing, plotting and, most importantly, waiting for ‘The Call’.
Anytime the phone rings, a hush descends across the lounge. Excitement builds for everyone. Even Ian Branfoot shifts forward in his seat, hoping it’s for him. (Sorry Ian, the phone never rings but we’ll always have the Simod Cup).
Our role in all this is merely that of a messenger, perhaps a glorified receptionist (with a penchant for aerodynamic shoes). It was my shift on Wednesday when the latest call came in.
“Frank”, I called out, looking over at the gaggle of him and Stevie G. “it’s for you.”
The murmurs begin as he makes the way across the room. ‘Why him?’ ‘They are giving HIM another chance’. The ex-managers lounge is no place for the faint of heart.
As Frank finishes up his call, a bright smirk breaks out across his face. The lines of despair that followed his Everton departure seemingly disappearing into thin air.
“Who was it, Frank?” I ask.
“Chelsea. Can’t believe it. Especially after what happened last time there. Didn’t exactly end well on that occasion, did it?! Hahaha! Seriously though, what are their relegation chances?”
“0 per cent Frank.”
“And what about this weekend?”
So where better to start our look at the Premier League gameweek 30 predictions than at Molineux where, the Blues are indeed favourites to pick up a much-needed win (42.3 per cent). The trouble, they’ve frankly (pun intended) been terrible by their own standard on this road this campaign, having picked up just 16 points from 14 away games (W4 D4 L6), their lowest return after 14 road games in a season since 2000-01 (9). That Chelsea side featured the likes of Winston Bogarde, Jon Harley and Samuele Dalla Bona with Gianluca Vialli and Claudio Ranieri splitting time at the helm. The times they are a changing.
Premier League Predictions - April 8/9
Lampard’s former charges Everton kick-start the weekend’s action against Manchester United. The Toffees have managed to draw each of their last three trips to Old Trafford but have only recorded one victory in their last 29 Premier League games there. And despite the Sean Dyche bounce that has seen them pick up 12 points in nine games under his control, the Red Devils (52.7 per cent) are still expected to cruise to the win on Saturday – Ollie Hopkins has more.
There are seven games to look forward to in the 3pm window Saturday but arguably no bigger than the one at the King Power Stadium. Leicester City have seen their chances of relegation repeatedly grow over the past few weeks and need to put an end to the skid that has seen them winless in their last seven Premier League. Arguably it’s perfect timing for Bournemouth to come to town, a side they have never lost a home Premier League game against (W2 D3) with the Foxes the heavy favourites (62.7 per cent) to pick up a crucial victory.
That predicted victory will put a lot of pressure on those around them, none more so than West Ham. A crushing defeat against Newcastle United has the supercomputer re-calculating their hopes drastically to the point that Fulham (35.6 per cent) are indeed the slight favourites to pick up all three points at Craven Cottage, despite finding themselves on a three-game losing run. The Hammers (34.6 per cent) seven away goals in 13 such Premier League games this season counting heavily against them in a game that’s being described as ‘must-win’ for David Moyes’ future at the club.
The supercomputer also isn’t seeing much chance of success for another of its relegation favourites Nottingham Forest (20.2 per cent). They are up against the Aston Villa juggernaut (53.1 per cent) who are on a six-game unbeaten streak (W5 D1) and with Unai Emery at the helm, who has never lost a Premier League home game against a promoted side (W4 D1), winning the last four in a row by an aggregate score of 12-4.
And just in case you were wondering, yes, Southampton are in action. But they face Manchester City (74.2 per cent) who are on their longest winning run of the season (4), so no surprises the Saints have been given a miniscule chance of picking up anything from this one (8.5 per cent win, 17.3 per cent draw). The great Alan Duffy is on hand to give you a deeper dive into this one, kicking off in the late window.
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves though, as there’s a few other games on a bumper Saturday to look forward to. And having upset the supercomputer against West Ham last time out, Newcastle United (29.1 per cent) will be hoping to do it again when they take on Brentford (41.9 per cent). Considering the Magpies have a near 80 per cent of finishing in the top four, according to the supercomputer, this does seem somewhat of a strange one. But the remarkable home form of the Bees has them buzzing – having lost just one at the Gtech Community Stadium in the league this season, they are unbeaten in their last ten on home soil (W5 D5).
If Newcastle do stumble, then that will open intrigue for Tottenham and Brighton who are arguably the closest challengers to that top four spot, especially with Liverpool (more on them in a minute) stumbling. We’ll take the draw out of contention here, with none of Spurs’ last 24 home league games ending level. And despite the fact Brighton have scored more Saturday 3pm kick-off goals (28) than any other side this season – our supercomputer is backing Tottenham (49.6 per cent) to make it five wins in a row at home.
Onto Sunday’s games now, starting with a fixture that a few weeks back might have sparked some keen engagement. But now, with Leeds United and Crystal Palace pulling themselves away from the relegation mire, it might not be as crucial as it once seemed. The Whites are favourites to pick up the victory (40.9 per cent) which to my eyes means if the Eagles soar on Sunday, our relegation prediction piece will probably see them marked ‘safe’.
Which leaves us with the league leaders Arsenal. Or to be more precise, Liverpool once again being picked to upset the apple cart and collect a huge victory against a rival. It’s not like it’s even close – the Reds being given a 50.8 per cent chance of defeating the Gunners at Anfield. We’re beginning to wonder if some of the old bosses have cracked the code to get into the supercomputer, not just because Roy Evans has been strangely missing from the weekly draughts game. But if you remember, they were also heavily favoured to beat Manchester United and turned in a stunning 7-0 performance. Could lightning strike twice here?