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Algorithm Triumphs in Premier League Predictions Challenge
27 Sep, 2025
Summary
- Algorithm tops Premier League predictions leaderboard
- Wilfred, a 6-year-old participant, disputes "corrupt" bonus point system
- Crystal Palace holds Liverpool to a 1-1 draw, Manchester United wins 2-0 over Brentford

In the latest edition of The Athletic's Premier League predictions challenge, an algorithm has emerged as the surprise leader, outperforming human participants for the first time. The algorithm's grim, joyless philosophy of predicting 1-1 draws and 2-1 wins proved more successful than the human predictions.
One of the human participants, 6-year-old Wilfred, had a great weekend with three correct scorelines, but his proud father complained that he was "getting done by the bonus point system - corruption." The article's author, Oli, agrees, criticizing the bonus point system that was introduced.
Elsewhere, Crystal Palace held league leaders Liverpool to a 1-1 draw, with the algorithm correctly predicting the result. Manchester United, meanwhile, secured a 2-0 victory over Brentford, lifting the pressure on manager Ruben Amorim. The article also discusses Brighton's continued success in the transfer market, earning millions from Chelsea's raids on their players.