NRL FINALS PREDICTIONS - THE TOP 8

1.   MELBOUNRE STORM (44 points)

Notable Statistics:

·        Season record of 20 wins and 4 losses

·        Most potent attack (633 points scored), including most tries scored (112)

·        Best defence (336 points conceded)

·        Average 39 sets per game

·        Top player for tries scored (Suliasi Vunivalu – 23) and line-break assists (Cameron Munster - 1.1 per game)

·        Rank 1^st for ball movement and team cohesion with 98 line-break assists

Ø  WFC FINALS PREDICTION – Champions

2.   SYDNEY ROOSTERS (38 points)

Notable Statistics:

·        Season record of 17 wins and 7 losses

·        Top tackling team in the NRL (8053 total for 335 per game)

·        Worst error rate in the league (12.6 per game)

·        Equal second best kicking game over the course of the season

·        Luke Keary (20) and Mitchell Pearce (18) inside top 5 for season line-break assists

Ø  WFC FINALS PREDICTION – Semis-final loss

3.   BRISBANE BRONCOS (36 points)

Notable Statistics:

·        Season record of 16 wins and 8 losses

·        Second in total points – 597 (103 tries, 91 goals)

·        Second in total run metres gained (average 1657 per game)

·        Second best points differential (164)

·        James Roberts grabbed 16 tries, 5 try assists and 4.2 tackle breaks (per game) in 23 games

·        316.4 tackles per game (8^thleast) – Ball retention lowered this number (53% possession)

Ø  WFC FINALS PREDICTION – Runners-up

4.   PARRAMATTA EELS (36 points)

Notable Statistics:

·        Season record of 16 wins and 8 losses

·        Record of 6 wins and 3 losses against other top 8 teams this season

·        Average of 10 errors per game

·        Semi Radradra scored 20 regular season tries (4^th most, four tries in R25 and 3 tries in R26)

·        Nathan Brown averages 17.2 runs per game (6^th most)

·        Clinton Gutherson and Bevan French injured

·        9 wins and 1 loss from last 10 games played

Ø  WFC FINALS PREDICTIONS – Preliminary Finals Loss

5.   CRONULLA SHARKS (34 points)

Notable Statistics:

·        Season record of 15 wins and 9 losses

·        Outside the top 8 for both total points scored (476) and tries (78)

·        Rank 3^rd for successful offloads (11.5 per game)

·        Second highest error rate amongst all teams (266 total/11 per game)

·        Paul Gallen leads all forwards in the league for runs per game (19.4) for an average of 182.8 metres gained (ranked 3^nd)

·     Both Gallen (2.1) and forward compatriot Andrew Fifita (2.4) rank in top 10 for offloads per game  

Ø  WFC FINALS PREDICTIONS – Semi-finals Loss

6.   MANLY SEA EAGLES (32 points)

Notable Statistics:

·        Season record of 14 wins and 10 losses

·        3 golden point wins over the course of the season and no losses

·        Rank 3^rd for tries scored (99)

·        3^rd most line-breaks (115) and equal 3^rd most line-break assists (84)

·        2^nd only to the Storm for try assists (81). Daly Cherry-Evans with 19 (1^st), Tom Trbojevic 18 (=2^nd)

·        Comfortably atop the rankings for 40/20’s in the regular season with 8 – Blake Green (5) and Daly Cherry-Evans (3)

·        Although sitting in 6^th spot for team offloads (255), Martin Taupau averages 3.4 offloads per game (71 total = 1^st)

Ø  WFC FINALS PREDICTION – Preliminary Finals Loss

7.   PENRITH PANTHERS (30 points)

Notable Statistics:

·        Season record of 13 wins and 11 losses

·        Most missed tackles in the league (872), equating to 36.3 per game

·        Nathan Cleary led total points (216), total kick metres (7355) and conversion percentage (86%) statistics throughout the season

·        Have only beaten a top 8 side twice throughout the season with 7 losses

·        3^rd most amount of errors (263 total/10.9per game)

·        11 wins from last 15 games. However, are coming into the finals on a 2 game losing streak (R25 Dragons, R26 Manly)

Ø  WFC FINALS PREDICTION – Quarter-finals Loss

8.   NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS (30 points)

Notable Statistics:

·        Season record of 13 wins and 11 losses

·        Ranked 4^th worst for tries scored (78)

·        2^nd for total completed runs as a team with Jason Taumalolo averaging 18.7 per game (4^th highest)

·        Taumalolo is the only player to average over 200 run metres per game in the league (203.1), while averaging 5.2 tackle-breaks per game.

·        Without Johnathon Thurston the Cowboys sit outside the top 8 for both try assists (9^th) and line-break assists (15^th), although Michael Morgan has picked up 18 try assists and 10 line-break assists this season.

ØWFC FINALS PREDICTION – Quarter-finals Loss

The Finals Win/Loss Breakdown

WFC is tipping that the Storm will go all the way this season, with a last day grand final win to cement the ‘Big 3’ legacy, before splitting up. As the best and far most superior team all season long, it is hard to argue, after only 4 losses during the campaign, 2 of which occurred during the State of Origin period where a host of players were on rep duty.

As for the other teams attempting to derail Melbourne’s fairy-tale – the Brisbane based side has the best chance at doing so. After nearly slipping to 4^th position after a dominate season, the Broncos will look to utilise their lively creativity in the halves and pace in the backline to over-run the Roosters in their week one matchup, to earn a week’s rest and sit one win away from the final.

The Roosters however, will bounce back in the Prelims, as their far superior squad will get over an up and down Manly, who themselves will advance from the bottom half of the draw after defeating the Penrith Panthers in back-to-back weeks. Mental psychology in this game will play a big factor, as in round 26 Manly jumped out to a big lead. The Panthers will put up a bigger fight this time but it won’t be enough.

We at WFC also believe that the experience of Cronulla’s premiership campaign from a season ago will see them comfortably get past a gallant North Queensland side in week 1, while using that finals experience in week 2 to defeat a hot Parramatta Eels outfit, before just falling short of another grand final – losing to the Broncos.

As for the Storm who are tipped to win the premiership, their semi-final match-up against the Roosters will be a hard fought effort – possibly even heading into an overtime finish.

With WFC predicting a repeat of the 2006 premiership grand final between the Storm and the Broncos, the result will see a reverse of that day with the Melbourne side successfully avenging last year’s narrow defeat. This victory will see the end of an era of Melbourne mastery in typical classy style.

So, with that all being said – Here is WFC’s NRL Finals brackets 

By Luke Scali - Twitter WFC_LS_Potzi

How the premium players have fared in FPL so far, and what to do with them going forward

Alexandre Lacazette – £10.4 – TSB 13.9%

INFORMATION

- Made an instant impact, registering 1 goal in GW1, as well as taking 3 shots and creating 3 chances.

- Since then, he has been almost invisible, registering 0 shots in GW2, before getting benched in GW3.

- However, a return to the starting line-up in GW4 is likely.

- Extremely favourable fixtures, and a proven goal scorer who is capable of finding dominating the Premier League, as highlighted by his GW1 performance.

VERDICT

- Buy. Despite Arsenal’s poor form and being benched in GW3, Lacazette is too lethal a striker not to be on the score sheet numerous times in the coming GWs.

Mesut Özil – £9.5 – TSB 2.3%

INFORMATION

- Has been heavily criticised for his work rate in the opening 3 GWs.

- Despite this though, he is currently the league’s most prolific shot assister (1 every 22.5 mins), and has also fired off an acceptable amount of shots (1 every 38.6 mins).

- Has extremely favourable fixtures coming up.

VERDICT

- Avoid. Despite the great fixtures, there are far better midfield options elsewhere.

- If you own him though, you may as well keep, and use your transfers to fix up other areas of your team.

Alexis Sanchez – £11.9 – TSB 2.4%

INFORMATION

- Returned from injury last GW and could do nothing to prevent his side falling 4-0 to Liverpool.

- The subject of one of the most infamous transfer sagas in recent history.

- After his move to Manchester City fell through, he feels betrayed by Arsenal and does not want to play for them again.

- Recently picked up an ankle injury on international duty, where he was also labelled as “too fat.”

VERDICT

- Despite the extremely favourable fixtures, avoid for the time being. There is currently too much uncertainty around his game time and attitude.

- However, he could very quickly become essential if he returns to Arsenal with a point to prove. Really, it will all come down to his attitude.

Alvaro Morata – £10.1 – TSB 13.1%

INFORMATION

- The first player in Premier League history to score and assist in his first 2 home appearances.

- Impressive stats so far – 1 shot every 20.7 minutes, and 1 chance created every 37.2 minutes.

- A mixed bag of fixtures coming up.

- The return of Hazard should boost his appeal.

VERDICT

- Buy. A classy player, capable of steady returns, and possessing explosive potential. At just £10.1, what’s not to like?

Eden Hazard – £10.5 – TSB 1.5%

INFORMATION

- Arguably the most dangerous attacker in the Premier League, with 16 goals, 9 assists and 33 bonus points last season.

- As nailed on as you can get, although rotation may come into play around Christmas.

- Despite the arrival of Morata, will most likely be Chelsea’s first choice penalty taker.

- Made two appearances for Belgium during the international break, including 1 goal in a 90 minute performance against Gibraltar.

VERDICT

- Buy. When he returns, everyone will want him, so bring him in whilst he’s still a differential.

Marcos Alonso – £7.1 – TSB 20.3%

INFORMATION

- Bounced back from his 0 point GW1 return with a 16 point brace in GW2, then 6 points in GW3.

- Has a shot frequency higher than a number of prominent midfielders – 1 every 33.75 minutes.

- On direct- free-kick duty.

- Has a mixed bag of fixtures coming up.

VERDICT

- If you have him, keep.

- If you don’t however, we advise that you try to make space in your team for Alonso, before his price rises any further.

Sadio Mane – £9.6 – TSB 29.7%

INFORMATION

- Has started the season superbly, with 3 goals in the first 3 GWs.

- Registered a shot frequency of 1 every 25.3 mins, which is excellent.

- However, his creative stats are not impressive, only creating a chance every 84.3 minutes.

- Despite these returns, he is yet to pick up a bonus point.

- With Liverpool’s plethora of attacking options, Mane could also be a rotation risk on occasion.

VERDICT

- For owners, keep.

- If you don’t own Mane though, bringing in Salah or Firmino is suggested, as they offer similar if not better returns, for a lesser price.

Sergio Aguero – £11.5 – TSB 10.8%

INFORMATION

- Despite his goal scoring record, Guardiola continues to restrict Aguero’s minutes.

- When he plays, he’s one of, if not the most dangerous player on the park.

- This season, has played 196 minutes, scoring 1 goal and averaging 1 shot and 1 shot assist every 32 minutes.

- He was not used by Argentina during the international break, so he will be fresh if Guardiola looks to freshen up his team.

VERDICT

- Sell. £11.5 is too much to pay for a player who is not a guaranteed starter.

Gabriel Jesus– £10.4 – TSB 8.2%

INFORMATION

- Despite no goal vs Brighton in GW1, he was outstanding, and could have had a hat-trick.

- His momentum was then cut short by Guardiola who substituted him at half-time in GW2.

- In GW3, he was not quite at the same level as his GW1 performance, but found the back of the net.

- Seems to be Guardiola’s favoured striker.

- A role up front by himself will boost his appeal as he will not be competing for the ball with Aguero.

- Has registered a shot every 22.6 minutes this season, ranking him 5^thamong all forwards.

- City’s first choice penalty taker.

VERDICT

- If you own him, keep. He has shown signs that he will begin to register more FPL points in the coming weeks.

- If you don’t own him however, there is no rush to get him in, with other players far more essential.

Kevin De Bruyne – £9.9 – TSB 18.7%

INFORMATION:

- The biggest disappointment over the first 3 GWs.

- Guardiola has deployed De Bruyne in the deep-lying playmaker role, significantly limiting his attacking output.

- Yet to register a shot inside the box so far this season, and has only created 1 big chance.

- Guardiola has already reeked havoc with his rotation – no one is safe.

VERDICT:

- Sell. £9.9 is too much to pay for a deep-lying play-maker, especially one in a side that will experience heavy rotation.

Romelu Lukaku – £11.7 – TSB 58.1%

INFORMATION

- The Big Belgian striker has lived up to his price tag so far, with 3 goals in the opening 3 GWs.

- Apart from Kane, Lukaku has the fastest shot frequency out of all forwards so far this season.

- May lose his penalty duties after his miss in GW3.

- Exploded on international break, scoring 4 goals in 2 games.

VERDICT

- Not owning Lukaku at this stage of the season could significantly hurt your overall rank due to his extremely high ownership.

- Monitor his form, but for the moment he seems like the closest thing we have to ‘essential.’

Harry Kane – £12.4 – TSB 26.8%

INFORMATION

- It’s quite unbelievable really – 24 shots at 1 every 11.25 minutes over the opening 3 GWs, yet, 0 goals.

- Kane’s August hoodoo lives on.

- Has hit the woodwork in each game so far – could nearly be in double figures for goals already.

- Very favourable fixtures coming up.

- Netted a goal on international duty.

VERDICT

- Do not sell Kane. If you don’t own him, be scared. He’s about to go berserk.

Christian Eriksen – £9.6 – TSB 21.8%

INFORMATION

- Started off the season very well, with 3 assists and 5 bonus points.

- His underlying stats are also very good, registering a shot 26.7 mins, creating a chance every 29.7 mins, and also whipping in an average of 10 crosses per game.

- His assist returns would be much greater if not for Harry Kane’s goal scoring misfortune so far.

- Seriously impressed on international duty, providing 3 assists and netting 2 goals in 2 games.

VERDICT

- Will provide a steady stream of attacking returns over the coming weeks. 

Dele Alli – £9.5 – TSB 34.9%

INFORMATION

- Hasn’t set the league alight so far, but has still managed 2 goals.

- Stood out last GW, with 1 goal from 6 shots, 4 of which came from within the box.

- Provided an assist while on international duty.

- His Champions League suspension should keep him fit for Premier League matches.

VERDICT

- May be a bit hit-and-miss at times, but his high point ceiling will see him be one of the top point scorers over the coming weeks.

By Worldwide Fantasy Club | Seb Candido