It seems very early to be doing this: I almost got caught out buying tickets for the opening game: are we early because of the stupid idea to have a World Cup at Christmas? Just wait ‘til FIFA get their way and have a World Cup every 2 years…
If these words seem familiar, it’s because I’ve shamelessly copied almost all of what Sensible said last year.
I’m NOT intending to do the Tinpot Cup Thingy at all: I’m sure you all have better things to do than predict that. League, FA Cup and League Cup (whatever it’s called) only.
The World Cup starts on 21st November. We don’t have a league game between Burton (A) on 19th November and Port Vale (H) on 2nd December, but the FA Cup 2nd Round is scheduled for 26th November, so presumably there won’t be a void period. Should the unthinkable happen and we go out in Round 1, we’ll have a weekend off: none of the teams above us are likely to be playing during the international break. If there is a more substantial interruption to league fixtures for some reason (e.g., we have 6 players called up), perhaps we’ll do something ad hoc with the World Cup.
I’m also going to be highly selective in choosing cup games: Argyle of course, while we last, but no more 20 minutes trying to find out what leagues Ploughed Field Tractors and Middle Nowhere FC actually play in.
1. There will be 50 points for getting the position in the League right at halfway. If nobody gets it right, then 25 points for nearest.
2. There will be another 50 points for the position at the end of the season and 25 points for the nearest if nobody gets it right.
3. The remainder will be as for previous seasons. 3 points for a correct score and 1 point for a correct result.
4. There will be 5 points for the correct time of the first goal in the Argyle match and if nobody gets it right then 3 points for the nearest.
5. There will be one joker allowed which will double the points gained for the match selected. Occasionally a second joker will be allowed.
6. Occasionally there will be a double (or more) points Saturday.
7. Even more occasionally there may be 5 points for the total number of goals scored in the predicted league matches. That gives even the most hopeless forecasters a chance to win something by pure luck (i.e., me)
8. As this is predominantly about Argyle, there will also be predictions for matches Argyle are in the FA Cup and the League Cup. There will be a selection of "other" matches included on those occasions, so it isn't a single prediction.
9. Predictions must be made prior to kick off time. The earlier you can get your forecasts in, the sooner I’ll be able to put you out of your misery and reveal the scores. League games I can do quickly: cup games will take longer.
10. Put your matches in the order shown on the BBC fixture page or things are likely to go horribly wrong.
11. There will be no penalty for non-Argyle fans putting PAFC down for less than a handsome win on every occasion, but I will bear a grudge against any Argyle fans who do so. This will be taken into account in any borderline decisions I have to make.
If anyone has any suggestions or objections let me know.
Please also confirm you’ll be taking part. I hope you will or otherwise I’ll have to change my spreadsheet. There’s a whole universe of social media out there and we’re a dwindling band on this ancient technology, but I really want to keep it going until I win, so keep your calendars free for the foreseeable future and beyond.
How do you pin these things Sensible? You're a moderator or some such aren't you?
If these words seem familiar, it’s because I’ve shamelessly copied almost all of what Sensible said last year.
I’m NOT intending to do the Tinpot Cup Thingy at all: I’m sure you all have better things to do than predict that. League, FA Cup and League Cup (whatever it’s called) only.
The World Cup starts on 21st November. We don’t have a league game between Burton (A) on 19th November and Port Vale (H) on 2nd December, but the FA Cup 2nd Round is scheduled for 26th November, so presumably there won’t be a void period. Should the unthinkable happen and we go out in Round 1, we’ll have a weekend off: none of the teams above us are likely to be playing during the international break. If there is a more substantial interruption to league fixtures for some reason (e.g., we have 6 players called up), perhaps we’ll do something ad hoc with the World Cup.
I’m also going to be highly selective in choosing cup games: Argyle of course, while we last, but no more 20 minutes trying to find out what leagues Ploughed Field Tractors and Middle Nowhere FC actually play in.
1. There will be 50 points for getting the position in the League right at halfway. If nobody gets it right, then 25 points for nearest.
2. There will be another 50 points for the position at the end of the season and 25 points for the nearest if nobody gets it right.
3. The remainder will be as for previous seasons. 3 points for a correct score and 1 point for a correct result.
4. There will be 5 points for the correct time of the first goal in the Argyle match and if nobody gets it right then 3 points for the nearest.
5. There will be one joker allowed which will double the points gained for the match selected. Occasionally a second joker will be allowed.
6. Occasionally there will be a double (or more) points Saturday.
7. Even more occasionally there may be 5 points for the total number of goals scored in the predicted league matches. That gives even the most hopeless forecasters a chance to win something by pure luck (i.e., me)
8. As this is predominantly about Argyle, there will also be predictions for matches Argyle are in the FA Cup and the League Cup. There will be a selection of "other" matches included on those occasions, so it isn't a single prediction.
9. Predictions must be made prior to kick off time. The earlier you can get your forecasts in, the sooner I’ll be able to put you out of your misery and reveal the scores. League games I can do quickly: cup games will take longer.
10. Put your matches in the order shown on the BBC fixture page or things are likely to go horribly wrong.
11. There will be no penalty for non-Argyle fans putting PAFC down for less than a handsome win on every occasion, but I will bear a grudge against any Argyle fans who do so. This will be taken into account in any borderline decisions I have to make.
If anyone has any suggestions or objections let me know.
Please also confirm you’ll be taking part. I hope you will or otherwise I’ll have to change my spreadsheet. There’s a whole universe of social media out there and we’re a dwindling band on this ancient technology, but I really want to keep it going until I win, so keep your calendars free for the foreseeable future and beyond.
How do you pin these things Sensible? You're a moderator or some such aren't you?
