PL Predictions, Week 35: J. Willgoose

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This season, our man Mark will take on someone from the world of music or celebrity every Friday to predict the outcome of the 10 Premier League games that weekend.

Every correct result is worth one point, while every correct scoreline is worth three points. We will keep a tally throughout the season to see how Mark fares against all of our guests.

The prediction challenge has taken a two-week hiatus but, following a 12-7 win over Rich O’Flynn in week 32, Mark has 227 points for the season, 36 more than the guests’ 191.

TEAMtalk Prediction League 2014-15
Contestant Points
Cormac Neeson 13
Jools Gizzi 10
Franko Fraize 10
Sam Rourke 9
Gaz Coombes 8
Sundowners 8
Olly Murs 8
Peter Oags 8
Paul Merson (5 weeks) 7.8 (average)
Mark Holmes (32 weeks) 7.1 (average)
Alex Brooker 7
Peter Hooton 7
Jed Laidlaw 7
Tony McGuinness 7
Saint Raymond 6
Van McCann 6
Billy Lunn 5
Ryan Malcolm 5
Wretch 32 5
Jono Yates 5
Jah Wobble 4
JP Dalton 3
Ben Samson 3
Steve Bracknall 3
Prides 3
Meridian Dan 0

Leicester City v Newcastle

Mark: You’d fancy any team against Newcastle at the moment, but Leicester should still be full of confidence despite the midweek defeat at Chelsea. They can claim a huge three points here. 2-0

JW: Newcastle have been on a terrible run of late whilst Leicester are on a good run. I predict an easy win. 3-0

Aston Villa v Everton

Mark: Villa are much improved under Tim Sherwood, but safety is far from a foregone conclusion. I fully expect them to still be in the fight for survival come the final day of the season, but they can aid their cause with a point against an in-form Everton side. 1-1

JW: I see this being a tight game as both teams have been doing well of late. 1-1

Liverpool v QPR

Mark: It’s hard to have too much confidence in Liverpool at the moment, but it would still be a huge surprise were they to slip up at Anfield against QPR. 2-0

JW: Whilst Liverpool may be struggling of late, QPR’s away form as been bad all season. Liverpool will just take this. 1-0

Sunderland v Southampton

Mark: With Sunderland now in the relegation zone, I wonder if we’re about to witness another miraculous end-of-season upturn in form? It wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest, and I think they can pinch a point from this one. 1-1

JW: I like Sunderland, but I do worry about them. Unfortunately, Southampton will probably win this. 1-2

Swansea City v Stoke City

Mark: My gut tells me Stoke are going to win this one, but I’ve got a feeling that’s my heart ruling my head. In truth, there is little between the two sides and so most will be backing Swansea with their home advantage. I’m sitting on the fence. 1-1

JW: Swansea are good at home, and after beating their points record this season they will be motivated to keep going. They are not the sort of team to give up on the season early. 2-0

West Ham v Burnley

Mark: I reckon there are a few twists left in this relegation battle yet. West Ham stopped playing a long time ago, and I reckon Burnley can spring a surprise of sorts. 0-1

JW: Both teams are in a run of bad form, and Burnley are probably doomed now unfortunately. Not predicting much. 0-0

Manchester United v West Brom

Mark: United were being showered in praise a few weeks ago, but it’s amazing how quickly pundits can change their opinions on the back of a couple of defeats. In reality, the poor performance at Everton aside, Louis van Gaal’s side are playing well and will win this comfortably. 3-0

JW: Manchester United are in a period of good home form right now. West Brom have nothing to play for now, but United will want to bounce back after their defeat to Everton. I think this will be all United. 3-0

Chelsea v Crystal Palace

Mark: With the title there to be won, I reckon Jose Mourinho will release the shackles against a Palace side whose progress has stalled in recent weeks. They will be celebrating in style after reminding everyone of how well they can attack when they want to. 4-0

JW: As much as I hate to do it, I have to go for Chelsea. Mourinho will make sure of another boring win. 1-0

Tottenham v Manchester City

Mark: This is a really tough game to call but City’s tails will be up after moving back into second, whereas Spurs’ main aim of making the top four is gone. 1-2

JW: Could be an interesting one as neither are on good form currently. Hard to see much will separate them. 2-2

Hull City v Arsenal

Mark: Hull got a brilliant win in midweek against Liverpool, but Arsenal are a different proposition at the moment as they chase a second-placed finish. It won’t be a walkover, but I’d be surprised if they didn’t win. 0-2

JW: Hull are in trouble and Arsenal will just have too much for them. 1-2

Five from J. Willgoose

How did you come to support your club and what are your favourite memories from your time as a fan?

Although I was talked into a youthful flirtation with Spurs, Wimbledon, as my local team, got me in the end. I have great memories of the Premiership, but these have been tainted a bit by the subsequent collapse. However, the satisfaction at seeing the club rise from nothing has been incredible.

Who have been your biggest heroes during your time supporting the club?

Kenny Cunningham was always a great, an understated and solid centre-back and a true professional. More recently, Rob Ursell brought incredible skills and scored some incredible goals for the club.

What do you make of the current team? What are your hopes for next season?

We’ve been pretty, solidly average this year, but this has to be better than flirting with relegation like we’ve done for the past few seasons. The Liverpool game was a highlight of the season – we gave them a good game, which made me proud. Hopefully we can build the team this summer and have a good crack next season. Maybe the play-offs?

Everyone has a soft spot for another team. Who’s yours and why?

I have a soft sport for Sunderland as my dad’s family are all from there. I also like Arsenal for the way they do their business and their nice style of football, but it’s frustrating to see them trip themselves up all the time.

What’s going on for you at the moment?

Our new single ‘Go!’ is released on May 11 through Test Card Recordings.

Order The Race For Space here from the band’s website – publicservicebroadcasting.net