The Official 2017/18 Premier League Predictathon Thread

The Official 2017/18 Premier League Predictathon Thread

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gadgetmac

Original Poster:

14,984 posts

108 months

Wednesday 12th July 2017
quotequote all
Please read the following rule changes which appear in bold below. The rest of the rules are the same as last season.

RULES FOR SEASON 2017-2018

These rules can be amended/added to by a simple consensus of more than half the people playing all agreeing to the change - this isn't my game, it belongs to everyone playing – UP TO A POINT. Any rule changes which increase the workload for the Administrator can be vetoed by him. You can ask any following administrator to reconsider should that happen.

Once agreed, however, and in order to be fair and unbiased, the rules will be adhered to all season as once you allow one person to bend them, others begin to think there's favouritism being shown.

So, the rules are as follows:

1. THIS THREAD

Please keep this thread for Predictathon business only. Banter etc is always welcome as before, but if you want to have in-depth discussions about other football subjects, please do it on another thread.

2. POSTING YOUR PREDICTIONS

If you’ve agreed to play you MUST keep an eye on this thread including looking back to pages that you’ve haven’t read before and posting your predictions in good time.

All predictions must be submitted by Friday at 6pm for weekend games, and before the actual kick-off that night for any other mid-week forecasts. It is 6pm as once again there are to be Friday night EPL games this season. This is subject to change depending upon circumstances but the default is 6pm. Please post in this forum in the same format as before, listing your scores below the fixtures thus:

Arsenal v Crystal Palace 1-1
Burnley v Chelsea 1-2
Leicester City v Everton 3-3
Liverpool v Southampton 0-2
Manchester United v Swansea City 1-2
Newcastle United v Manchester City 1-2
Queens Park Rangers v Hull City 1-1
Stoke City v Aston Villa 2-1
West Bromwich Albion v Sunderland 1-1
West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur 1-1


1 1
1 2
3 3
0 2
1 2
1 2
1 1
2 1
1 1
1 1


You must use the published fixture list I produce each week for your forecasts as it makes it easier for me to cut & paste your forecasts straight into the spreadsheet. The key for me is the second list of scores as this will be pasted into the spreadsheet and hence the order and spacing needs to be correct so that each score corresponds to the correct match.

Make sure you have the right number of scores in the list! If you don't it will be your loss as I won’t be counting your entries and notifying you if you are short, in such cases your scores will be deemed to correspond to the games in order, ie. if you only post 9 scores, these will be deemed to apply to the first nine matches and you will be awarded zero points for the tenth match. ‘Edited’ forecasts are not permissible and will be ignored so once you press ‘post’ I’m afraid that’s it.

3. MISSING THE DEADLINE

If you forget to submit your predictions or submit them too late, you will be awarded zero points for every game.

4. THE GIZMO! PASS

This is a fairly simple one to answer, there isn’t one. Sit up straight and post when you are supposed to.

I can’t forget to post the fixtures each week - which over holiday periods can be tricky - so you can’t forget the simple task of Predicting each week or whenever there are matches.

5. HOLIDAYS ETC

If you are going away please tell me by posting on this thread (don’t email me as I don’t check my emails that frequently) and I will email you the fixtures you will miss for you to forecast in advance. Post your forecasts onto the thread, do not send them back to me. If you don't do this you'll be awarded zero points for each game you miss and will be removed from the game should that take you over the limit of 3 (yes 3, more on that in a minute) matchdays in total each season that you can miss.

6. FAILING TO PREDICT

There is a new ‘3 strikes’ rule now in operation. If you do not forecast for 3 matchdays in total without a prior notification of your intention not to forecast being posted on this thread (ie you are going on holiday, your cat got run over, your woman slapped you about a bit, paper cuts etc), you will be removed from the league with no re-admittance this season or NEXT season (It will be the Administrators choice). There will be no warnings given if you are already at 2 strikes and you fail to forecast again - you will simply find yourself excluded from the game. If you can’t be bothered for 3 matchdays in the season I won’t be chasing your a*se. There will be no readmittance to the Predictathon should you have not had the decency to inform the administrator (ie Me) that you won’t be forecasting over the course of 3 matchdays in the season. It’s not fair for you to do this as it’s a LOT of work. There appear to people waiting to take your place so if you want to keep it please cherish it and predict or notify otherwise in advance. Likewise, if you register to play and then don't play in the very first week without prior notice you'll be removed. Sorry, but you've got to show willing right from the outset.

I said at the start of last season that “I would suggest moving to a ‘3 strikes’ regime next season as even 4 seems overly generous to me” and now I’m moving to cement that as a rule.

7. COMEDY FORECASTS

Please don’t post comedy forecasts (ie 10-0 and other obvious nonsense) - this isn't allowed and you'll be given zero points for all of that matchday’s forecasts if you do it. By all means post funny comments above the actual list of scores that I'll be cut 'n' pasting but take the forecasts seriously - a lot of work goes into this so silly forecasts might just make me wonder whether to bother.

8. POINTS

As in previous years, 1 point will be given for a correct prediction (home win/away win/draw) with an additional 3 bonus points awarded for a correct score line.

9. YOUR WEEKLY SCORE

You are responsible for checking that I have got your points earned that week correct and letting me know if something is amiss, which I’m sure you will.

10. MY WEEKLY SCORE

You’re all welcome to double check my score each week and I’d suggest you do. I cheat, frequently. So if suddenly I’m top of the table, you’d be well advised to check.

11. POSTPONED OR REARRANGED GAMES

Scores will be held in the system for postponed games and points will be calculated once the games have been played. I’m afraid that due to time constraints should a game be postponed for several months, all participants will NOT be given the opportunity to revise their prediction, the scores held in the spreadsheet will apply.

12. THE TABLE

I will publish the table when I can the following week. Bear in mind that it takes a lot of work, so some weeks there may not be an update.

13. TABLE POSITIONS

In the event of 2 or more players having the same points totals the league table positions will be determined firstly by the amount of correct results predicted and second by the amount of correct score lines predicted. If it’s still equal, alphabetical order will be used.

14. RELEGATION

There IS relegation, so watch the table! The bottom 3 will be relegated. Once relegated you are omitted from the competition for the following season and your place will be taken by a newcomer or somebody returning after a season in exile. Relegation will allow any future administrator to control the number of contestants should he wish. Even if you know you’ll be relegated you MUST continue to forecast until the season end as you will have the chance to re-enter the Predictathon after a season out. Previously relegated players with a complete posting record in their season of relegation with take precedence over Newcomers if places are tight. If you fall foul of the 3 strikes rule YOU WON’T. I believe relegation will make things more interesting and the banter more cruel funny.

15. NUMBER OF PLAYERS

This is now limited to 20 in-line with the actual Premier League. We cannot currently take any more entries than 20.

16. COURT OF ARBITRATION

They sit each Friday, once a week, at the bottom of my garden - right next to the pixies.

17. YOU & I - OUR PACT

In short, I agree to

1. Publish the fixtures each week
2. Gather in your forecasts
3. Store any predictions for postponed games and apply them when due.
4. Calculate your points
5. Record any missing forecasts each week
6. Compile and Publish the League Table

The End.

You agree to

1. Read the thread
2. Follow any instructions or set timetables and revisions for Holiday periods
3. Actually forecast.

Everyone must pull their weight as the administrator doesn't have the time or the inclination to pull both his weight and yours.

Thank you for reading this and good luck.

Edited by gadgetmac on Wednesday 12th July 16:18

gadgetmac

Original Poster:

14,984 posts

108 months

Wednesday 12th July 2017
quotequote all
There will be 20 players this season in-line with the actual Premier League (see Rule 15). We currently have 18 players who finished last season so they are automatically eligible to play this season leaving 2 spare slots. I know somebody asked on last seasons thread if they could join and I said that they could if I was running it. That person has 2 weeks to restate their intention to play whereupon, well, they aren’t.

Right, everybody, please add your name to the new list to confirm your intention to play. First newbie to apply is in, second newbie is also in if the chap mentioned above doesn’t make himself known within 2 weeks.

The first game of the 2017/18 season is on Friday 11th August. I will publish the first fixtures shortly.

gadgetmac

Original Poster:

14,984 posts

108 months

Wednesday 12th July 2017
quotequote all
Players for the 2017-18 Season:

1. Gadgetmac (Head Honcho)

gadgetmac

Original Poster:

14,984 posts

108 months

Wednesday 12th July 2017
quotequote all
Dan_1981 said:
In.

Good work Gadge.
Which bit of "please add your name to the list" was troublesome Dan?

I fear it's going to be a long season. cry

gadgetmac

Original Poster:

14,984 posts

108 months

Wednesday 12th July 2017
quotequote all
Somebody give len a nudge the next time the list is updated, It's really fking with my chakras.

gadgetmac

Original Poster:

14,984 posts

108 months

Wednesday 12th July 2017
quotequote all
mickk said:
Think that may have been me, sorry.
Spud unbalances thread - surely a first in the footy forum. hehe


gadgetmac

Original Poster:

14,984 posts

108 months

Sunday 23rd July 2017
quotequote all
We currently have a few no-shows and I'm busy so can't be chasing them up. The season starts in less than 3 weeks so the CUT OFF FOR ENTRANTS IS FRIDAY 4TH AUGUST at midnight as I have to prepare the spreadsheet and fixtures at that point.

Get your name on the list or we move on without you I'm afraid.

gadgetmac

Original Poster:

14,984 posts

108 months

Wednesday 2nd August 2017
quotequote all
Gone a bit AMG and BlueFiestaST:

Welcome aboard. Please ensure you have read the rules on page 1 and in particular the time frames for your forecasts and the correct format to post them in.

Its an efficient ship I'm trying to run so I'm afraid I don't do second chances as any mistakes will undoubtedly be simply down to you not reading the rules. If you're confused about anything or in doubt ask.

Other than that, good luck!

gadgetmac

Original Poster:

14,984 posts

108 months

Friday 4th August 2017
quotequote all
Quick reminder, entry closes tonight at midnight.

Fixtures for the opening games will follow over the weekend. The first game is next Friday night. As usual the deadline for your forecasts is Friday at 6pm.

gadgetmac

Original Poster:

14,984 posts

108 months

Saturday 5th August 2017
quotequote all
Ok, we have 18 players. This means THERE IS RELEGATION FOR THE BOTTOM PLACED PLAYER THIS SEASON. This will allow a possible 3 new players next season. If we don't get 3 then the relegated player gets the opportunity to play again the following season.

This st just got serious biggrin

gadgetmac

Original Poster:

14,984 posts

108 months

Monday 7th August 2017
quotequote all
Matchday 1
Saturday 12th August 2017

Arsenal v Leicester
Brighton v Man City
Chelsea v Burnley
Crystal Palace v Huddersfield
Everton v Stoke
Man Utd v West Ham
Newcastle v Tottenham
Southampton v Swansea
Watford v Liverpool
West Brom v Bournemouth

gadgetmac

Original Poster:

14,984 posts

108 months

Friday 11th August 2017
quotequote all
Arsenal v Leicester
Brighton v Man City
Chelsea v Burnley
Crystal Palace v Huddersfield
Everton v Stoke
Man Utd v West Ham
Newcastle v Tottenham
Southampton v Swansea
Watford v Liverpool
West Brom v Bournemouth


2 1
0 2
2 0
2 1
1 0
2 1
1 2
1 0
1 2
1 1


gadgetmac

Original Poster:

14,984 posts

108 months

Friday 11th August 2017
quotequote all
Lenandsons: You have less than half an hour.

gadgetmac

Original Poster:

14,984 posts

108 months

Saturday 12th August 2017
quotequote all
It looks like we have lost Lenandsons

Rule 6

FAILING TO PREDICT
...Likewise, if you register to play and then don't play in the very first week without prior notice you'll be removed. Sorry, but you've got to show willing right from the outset.

gadgetmac

Original Poster:

14,984 posts

108 months

Monday 14th August 2017
quotequote all
Everybody: Please check I’ve got your points correct this week – it’s very important as I need the spreadsheet proof-read just once so that I’m confident that it all works as it should going forward. I’ve had to make quite a few adjustments to it due to leavers and new players.

If you don’t check it I’m afraid I can’t take the time to adjust it in the future retrospectively so please do it this once.

A simple “Checked – OK” will suffice when posting Matchday 2’s forecasts.


gadgetmac

Original Poster:

14,984 posts

108 months

Monday 14th August 2017
quotequote all
Matchday 2
Saturday 19th August 2017


Bournemouth v Watford
Burnley v West Brom
Huddersfield v Newcastle
Leicester v Brighton
Liverpool v Crystal Palace
Man City v Everton
Southampton v West Ham
Stoke v Arsenal
Swansea v Man Utd
Tottenham v Chelsea

gadgetmac

Original Poster:

14,984 posts

108 months

Tuesday 15th August 2017
quotequote all
Jw Vw said:
Have checked my scores for week 1 gadget, all fine, thank you
Thanks for checking Jw Vw...it appears you're the only one so far who's bothered to read what I posted and help me to help everyone play the game with some confidence that its all working as it should.

Again, thank you..

gadgetmac

Original Poster:

14,984 posts

108 months

Wednesday 16th August 2017
quotequote all
mickk said:
Gadget, Do you want us all to reply and let you know if your sums are correct every week or only if we have an issue?

Mines ok.
I just need to know that each players week 1's points have been calculated correctly by the spreadsheet. If it worked correctly for week 1 it'll work correctly going forward for each player I reckon.

Obviously if you have an issue in future weeks then tell me but if you've not helped me this week don't expect too much from me in return if you get a problem later on.

gadgetmac

Original Poster:

14,984 posts

108 months

Friday 18th August 2017
quotequote all
Matchday 2
Saturday 19th August 2017

Bournemouth v Watford
Burnley v West Brom
Huddersfield v Newcastle
Leicester v Brighton
Liverpool v Crystal Palace
Man City v Everton
Southampton v West Ham
Stoke v Arsenal
Swansea v Man Utd
Tottenham v Chelsea

1 1
1 0
1 1
2 0
2 0
2 0
2 1
1 2
0 2
2 1

gadgetmac

Original Poster:

14,984 posts

108 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2017
quotequote all
Matchday 3
Saturday 26th August 2017


Bournemouth v Man City
Chelsea v Everton
Crystal Palace v Swansea
Huddersfield v Southampton
Liverpool v Arsenal
Man Utd v Leicester
Newcastle v West Ham
Tottenham v Burnley
Watford v Brighton
West Brom v Stoke