The votes have been counted, verified by a panel of disgruntled public service workers, and approved by the management of this website, and Dolphins hard man Ray Stone is The Gurgler’s 2025 Person of the Year.
All we know is that Dolphins NRL tough man Ray Stone would hate this win. Just like the way he hates scoring tries, missed tackles, opposition players making more than one run metre, losing, scoring more than one try in a game, offloads, The Bunker, referees, sunsets and sunrises, and scoring tries. He’d probably also hate to know that he brings joy to us, even at his own expense for pain. But in the end, pain is his friend, so maybe he enjoys it after all. But luckily, he doesn’t know where we live, so we won’t feel one of his punishing tackles for nominating him for Gurgler 2025 Person of the Year in the first place.
He joins elite company of various sporting heroes, sporting mascots, cartoon characters and Greg Norman. And just to show this 2025 Person of the Year wasn’t rigged, AI Greg Norman didn’t win, which is who we would have selected.
So thanks to all that voted and a quiet congratulations to Ray Stone.
2025 GURGLER PERSON OF THE YEAR VOTING
Here are the final results.
VOTE NOW: Gurgler 2025 Person of the Year Nominations
Here are the rest of the people and things that were nominated for the 2025 PErson of the Year.
AI GREG NORMAN
Following on from Grok is no mistake, as the two go hand in hand. Through Grok AI Greg Norman was born, and his adventures, Nor-mansplaining and cooking have been a shining light on an otherwise dreary 2025. To relive some of the joyful moments, here are the best of the links below.
Our favourite athlete in the world won this award last year, and there’s no reason he can’t win it again, and everything else in the future. Whilst the results didn’t quite match the hype in the World Athletics Champs in Tokyo, he is still an excitement machine, and king of the kids too, inspiring more kids to be more him. So why not a double for him for Person of the Year, his name doubles up so makes sense.
GROK
AI has become a buzz word around the world. From TV News reports, to Financial Markets to corporate meeting where it has become the new buzzword for, and let The Simpsons say it best, “Aren’t these just buzzwords that dumb people use to sound important? Not that I’m accusing you of anything like that… I’m fired, aren’t I?”.
But Grok has been our friend throughout 2025, helping us create some great content including an entire series of AI Greg Norman Comics, which have been our favourite thing ever on this website.
Sadly, the likeness of Greg Norman has dropped off in recent months, but we still thank it for it’s service.
DAN GINNANE
A great rugby league caller, and no surprise he is on Channel Nein. Of course Channel Nein securing yet another Jerk of the Year nomination. But he finds the balance between being good, enthusiastic, funny, unlike most. He doesn’t yell for the sake of it like Channel Nein. He doesn’t try and crack jokes all the time like Andrew Voss. And he seems to love Ray Stone. Which helps. Seeing his name at the helm of the comments for any NRL match brings joy. And we’ve turned that joy into a 2025 Person of the Year nomination.
SPORTING MASCOTS
Every year it seems Sports Mascots get nominations, and they deserve it. In the category of offer plenty and ask nothing, they live to give to provide live entertainment. And take the occasionally beating from naughty children, and alcohol fueled abuse for your entertainment. So don’t they deserve a Person of the Year nomination?
VALTTERI BOTTAS
He gone from invisible F1 pilot Valtteri Nottas, to an amusing F1 personality via social media. He has provided much entertainment off track, if not on it in 2025, with behind the scenes footage and very helpful information for F1 fans. It also helps we has an Australian partner, and very fine mullet and moustache. And we have no doubt all this helped him get a drive at Cadillac F1 for 2026. As long as he keeps the mo and hair.
YOUTUBE
Another thing that asks so little yet gives so much. With more interesting content than it would take a lifetime or two to get through, it is a very useful resource for time killing, and with a growing collection of back-in-the-day Formula 1, there’s even less reason to own normal TV anymore.
BRUCE McAVENEY
It’s also when you hear Bruce doing his thing, especially for Athletics that you realise just how good he is at his craft. Where others scream and yell, or smug their way through sporting coverage, Bruce is the ultimate professional, and knows his sh!t. In an old school, no opinion-just-facts kind of way. What a shame the opposite of all of that Channel Nein have the Olympics coverage these days. Or any sport.
CANBERRA RAIDERS / RICKY STUART
Whilst they fell short of ultimate NRL glory, there’s nothing better than a likeable sporting team, full of players that aren’t fashionable, winning a lot of games and taking the minor premiership. And they entertained along the way. And Ricky Stuart aka the Angry Ant aka Sticky aka Carlos Smearson is a major part of it all.
ROY AND HG
Still going and still good. Providing the balance for sporting coverage the world needs.
It’s been another big year O Sport, with winners showered with praise and losers booed until throats are sore, and everything in between. But before the year O Sport is boxed and buried, The Gurgler and their writing team have come up with a variety of awards and merit badges to hand out with our Gurgler’s 2025 Sports Awards.
Like most things we do to wrap up 2025, we come up with nomination in categories that tickle our fancy, but unlike 2025 Person of the Year and 2025 Jerk of the Year where the winners are decided by a vote, we also select the winner. It’s only fair, it’s our awards.
The Gurgler’s 2025 Sports Awards
THE SPACE CITY KALLANGUR OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD STAND-OUT SPORTING PERFORMANCES OF THE SEASON
NOMINATION – REECE WALSH’S LAST TWO MONTHS OF NRL
Every now and again one sports person puts on a clinic for short time and a good time if you are a Broncos fan. The Brisbane based rugby league team looked like they could miss out on the finals at one stage, then Reece Walsh became the rugby league version of Superman and Midas combined and everything he touched turned to gold. And trophies.
NOMINATION – MAX VERSTAPPEN
Max Verstappen had arguably his finest season in F1 for 2025, and that’s saying something about a driver who has previously won 21/24 races in a season. But that year, and other years the Red Bull was unstoppable or at worst equal best. The 2025 Red Bull was so bad at times in the hands of others that they could barely outpace Lance Stroll. Meanwhile Max Verstappen took early season poles and wins against all expectations. And once Mr Netflix aka Christian Horner left, the Red Bull turned around, and so the Verstappen wins flowed more frequently. With an assist from McLaren’s plank, Max Verstappen was in contention for the title until the last few laps of the season, and won more races than either McLaren driver, who had clearly the best car for most of the season.
NOMINATION – BRISBANE LIONS 13 GOAL SECOND HALF OF AFL GRAND FINAL
For the second straight season the Brisbane Lions won the AFL Flag with a heft advantage on the scoreboard, but hard to believe the Lions kicked 13 goals in the final two quarters to go from a deadlocked half time margin to a 47 point win.
NOMINATION – TRAVIS HEAD
He doesn’t do things all the time, but when he does, it’s usually good, and at important times. Although, having him as a full time opener feels like being spoiled.
WINNER – REECE WALSH
Can be a little or a lot unlikeable, but his run to the Grand Final win was top shelf and premiership winning.
The Above-The-Top-Shelf Sporting Event of the Year
NOMINATION – 2025 NRL Finals – Canberra v Broncos
What a game to end the first week of the NRL Finals. The Broncos were down and out, and even had a player sent to the sin bin, but the late second half turnaround was enough, but then the golden point thriller made it the game of the season.
NOMINATION – 2025 F1 Season
It’s been a while since we had a F1 title race, let alone one without the controversy of a Hamilton-Verstappen battle, let alone one that has three genuine chances to win. But that was the 2025 season, where the faster McLarens battled among themselves for a while until Red Bull took some of their own potion and gave themselves wings for a Verstappen sneaky title tilt. A lot of the races were either entertaining or intriguing, and unlike other seasons, you were never quite sure who was going to be the fastest package until Q2 / Q3 of qualifying.
NOMINATION – Ryder Cup
Just when it looked like Europe were going to win the Ryder Cup in a canter, which was all good, they almost choked big time and just hung on a for the win. Which made for a very exciting final day. Of course, being golf, the only other thing it needed was Greg Norman.
NOMINATION – BATHURST 1000
Doesn’t really matter how good the race is, there’s no better sporting sloth day than watching and snoozing to the Bathurst 1000.
WINNER – RYDER CUP
Golf is usually boring, but the combination of team golf, America bashing, a giant golfing choke and still Europe winning ticked all the boxes.
THE IAN “TURPS” TURPIE FOR BEST SPORTING ENTERTAINMENT
NOMINATION – DOLPHINS NRL
The NRL’s newest team had their best year yet, and for a while and on selected nights, they were the greatest rugby league team in the country, racking up huge scores, and beating top opposition with ease, and courtesy of Ray Stone. Whilst some of the bad times were bog ordinary, they gave so much in general in 2025, and asked so little.
NOMINATION – CANBERRA RAIDERS
Similar to the Dolphins, but not quite as exciting, but they won a lot more games.
NOMINATION – F2
While the F1 season was more interesting than usual, it usually doesn’t top the feeder formula F2 for action most races. And if F2 can’t make a track exciting, there’s a fair chance it’s not them, it’s you. Not only do you get to have a sneak peek at the next batch of potential World Champions, but you also get to see some drivers whose level of ability means that you will never see them in F1, and they race in F2 accordingly to our entertainment.
NOMINATION – SNOOP DOGG’S AFL PERFORMANCE AND GENERAL ATTENDANCE IN PRE GRAND FINAL
Snoop Dogg may not be everyone’s cup of tea or spliff, but he sure brings a big name with him to Australia, and his presence leading up to the AFL Grand Final was well received from most people outside of Sky News. As for his pre-game show, it had songs that most of us know, and some we pretended to know, but didn’t really need to, because it was all about being caught up in the moment.
NOMINATION – MIGUEL ANGEL JIMNEZ
Still smoking cigars, warming up like no one else does or can, and winning. Doing it the way we’d all like to win.
NOMINATION – LIVE CROSSES TO CRAIG BELLAMY GOING BERSERK IN THE COACHES BOX
We do enjoy seeing Craig Bellamy going ballistic in the coaches box, and thankfully not only do a lot things piss him off, but Fox League are quick to get the camera in his vicinity.
NOMINATION – DARTS WALK-INS
Darts, especially the annual one at Ally Pally is great, but the walk-in is the best part. Darts gets samey-samey after a while, so the walk-ins really break it up. And ham it up.
NOMINATION – DAN GINNANE
Fox League caller add a dimension to every game he calls. Not over-the-top like others can be in other sports, but the right amount of extra and humour.
NOMINATION – WHEN THE BASEBALL MANAGER WALKS OUT TO DUMP THE PTICHER
OK, so not confined to 2025, but still good.
WINNER – SNOOP DOGG
Took guest appearance at an Australian Grand Final to the next level.
The Ipswich Town Award for Most Disappointing Sporting Performance or Moment
NOMINATION – IPSWICH TOWN
Promoted in glory after going from third division to Premier League in consecutive seasons, playing great football, and with some great signings, it all looked so good for Ipswich Town and their triumphant return to top flight football after more than 20 seasons away. Instead they tried to play like Barcelona and were routinely punished. Won four games all season and were often terrible. Only silver lining is that Club World Cup Champions Chelsea failed to beat them in two attempts. So bad, we started hating all football in general.
NOMINATION – LEWIS HAMILTON @ FERRARI
One sprint race aside, the first season of Lewis Hamilton was a bit of a disaster. While the Ferrari hasn’t been the world beater it has been back in the day, Hamilton did less with it than his team mate did and his huge salary would suggest he does. New rules for 2026 mean it can all turn around. Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton both need it to happen.
NOMINATION – ASHES
There was so much to look forward to for this Ashes series. England arguably stronger heading to Australia than they have ever been, and a full 25 days of slothing on the couch to watch enthralling and occasionally dull Test Cricket. Sadly those Andy Capp-sleeping backwards into the lounge moments were taken away from us with a couple of express tow-day specials. Sure it was entertaining to a point, and most were the right result, but where’s the other half of that series?
NOMINATION – WOLVES
Their 2025-26 season to date has them on track to be the worst team of the Premier League era, “chasing” down Derby County’s worst ever title after they secured 11 points in 38 games from one win and eight draws – their only win coming in game six of the season. Wolves are currently winless after 17 games, and have two draws to show for their efforts so far. Of course they still have time to turn things around – they did score 26 points in the second half of the 2024-25 season. If they did that again, they’ll probably still be relegated, but keep their pants.
NOMINATION – MONACO GRAND PRIX
For all the hype and glamour of the Monaco Grand Prix, it’s usually pretty dull, and 2025 proved no exception. They introduced a mandatory two tyre stops, which saw the teams try and go even slower than usual for team tactics. It made the race even duller than usual. Maybe next year make it five pit stops and we could be talking.
NOMINATION – OSCAR PIASTRI’S AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX
Everything seemed to be going well for Piastri at this stage of the F1 season, although the previous race in Italy where he had to hand back second place after a botched Norris pit stop seemed to irk the Aussie F1 driver, and it showed in Baku. He followed up an ordinary qualifying by running into the wall on the first lap. Whilst he wasn’t punished too badly at that race by his title rivals, it did lead to a massive drop in form, one that cost him the World Championship.
NOMINATION – NO EUROPEAN CRICKET
The European Cricket series is a bit of cult sport, with so much to offer as we have previously mentioned here. But that was 2024, and we waited with the usual amount of anticipation for the 2025 serving. Genuinely. No just for the moments you see replayed on weekly sports shows, but the many sixes disappearing into the Spanish countryside, and of course the commentary, especially Mr Maximo himself. A Maximo is European Cricket for a six, but much more fun. Sadly the 2025 edition never happened, the future is uncertain according to this BBC article. So who knows if we’ll ever get to experience the joy again. And in a 2025 year that was mostly awful, couldn’t we all do with a little more joy.
WINNER – NO EUROPEAN CRICKET
Fewer Maximos makes the world a sad, sad place.
The Winter Olympics Award for Least Entertaining Sporting Moment, Person or Thing
NOMINATION – VAR
Ruining football with micro-decisions that aren’t even always right.
NOMINATION – NRL BUNKER
Like VAR, but significantly worse.
NOMINATION – HALF TIME INTERVIEWS WITH PLAYERS ABOUT TO GO TO THE CHANGE ROOMS
Putting a microphone in the face of a player as they leave the field usually produces nothing more than a bog ordinary TV analyst could come up with themselves. So why not leave the players alone then.
WINNER – NRL BUNKER
So bad, despite technology.
The Channel Nein Award for Worst Sporting Broadcast
NOMINATION – CHANNEL NEIN STATE OF ORIGIN
Just four times a year most rugby league fans have to suffer Channel Nein, and that’s Nein too many. Not only do they own the timeslot, which sucks, but their commentary is either pure drivel from star players who love themselves too much, or it is Mat Thompson simply screaming into a microphone. Having watched one Origin match this season on delay with fox League commentary merely confirmed the size of the gap in quality, not the existence of a gap.
NOMINATION – DANICA PATRICK
Thankfully only shows up every five or six races, and even that gap is way too small. Her contribution in punditry requires one of the world’s top five most powerful microscopes to measure. And it’s not because she is a female with no F1 experience, every one else that falls into that category is excellent.
NOMINATION – SKY F1
In saying individual commentators are excellent on Sky F1, except Danica Patrick, the overall pro-Norris, pro-UK bias was over-the-top in 2025. Yes, we fully understand that the broadcasters are based in England, but so was Murray Walker and his commentary was the greatest of any sport, any time. Yes he loved Nigel Mansell, but his commentary was the greatest of any sport, any time and gave a professional job celebrating every driver. Even Martin Brundle, the best F1 pundit of the last 20 years started losing his sheen due to over-bias to Norris. The Belgian Grand Prix was a real lowlight in their professional careers and should be ashamed.
WINNER – DANICA PATRICK
No Jenson Button side-eyes to camera needed, the worst for 2025.
The Sepp Blatter Award for Worst Sporting Administrator
NOMINATION – FIA PRESIDENT MOHAMMED BEN SULAYEM
Mohammed Ben Sulayem spent most of the year interfering with Formula 1, and especially the drivers who he really doesn’t seem to like, while forgetting they are a major part of what makes F1 popular and functional. His swearing ban the most pathetic. And like all good (bad) world leaders in history, has been re-elected in a fair, open election – unopposed.
NOMINATION – FIFA PRESIDENT GIANNI INFANTINO
The FIFA President has spent most of the year in the USA and up it’s arse, as well as squeezing every possible dollar (and every other currency) out of football. But the awarding of the FIFA Peace Prize at the 2026 World Cup draw is among one of sporting history’s greatest suck up jobs.
NOMINATION – PREVIOUS OWNERS OF SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
Let a famous club get into such a state that they are still on minus eight points heading into the second half of the season. The fact that thousands tuned into a live stream to see the seats that made up the former owner’s name ripped out of a grandstand tells you all you need to know about his standing with club’s fans.
WINNER – Gianni Infantino
And we all thought Sepp Blatter couldn’t be topped.
The Come-Uppance Award for Sporting Downfall
NOMINATION – MICHAEL SLATER
Gone from legendary Test Batsman with honours and lots of money and fame, to sharing a cell with Bubba. Dropped from commentary teams, oval namings and law abiding life itself, the downfall has been harsh and well earned for Slater. The man known as Slats ironically spent a lot of his year sleeping on beds without them, and with the downfall complete came the stories of just how awful he has been over the years.
NOMINATION – CHRISTIAN HORNER
The Red Bull Team Principal has also been cocky, but the Netflix documentary series which has sucked in so many new F1 fans took him to Trump-like levels of shit-smelling abandon. And while Red Bull were winning it was ok, but as soon as they weren’t it wasn’t. And Horner was promptly fired halfway through the 2025, which then saw a turnaround in the Red Bull’s (Verstappen’s anyways) fortunes. Coincidence or not, Horner wasn’t there for the good times. And by the end of the season, neither was his arch rival Dr Marko.
WINNER – Slats
We usually don’t too much joy in seeing people we really hate get their long overdue come-uppance. Pffft, who are we kidding, we love it. Up yours Slats.
Ray Stone would hate the nomination, he tends to hate most things, but that’s what makes him one of the best. Injuries are a badge of honour. Cyclones are no reason to miss a game. And tries are a burden of glory he’d rather do without. The ultimate team man, and one of the toughest around.
WINNER – RAY STONE
He wouldn’t like or allow anyone else to win. Or even himself to win.
The Lance Stroll Award for Most Apatha-pathetic Sports Person
WINNER – LANCE STROLL
There can only be one.
The Stefan-Discover Yourself Best Looking Sports Person
The FIFA World Peace Award for Worst Sporting Ceremony
WINNER – FIFA WORLD CUP DRAW
All most people wanted to see was who their team was playing, but FIFA turned it into the suckfest. With way too many politicians. And Mexico and Portugal didn’ get drawn together either. Sucks.
Worth slightly less than a transfer window, more of a letdown than New Year’s Eve, with more point than an entire pack of Wolves, playing in a formation that was unfashionable and illegal 60 years ago, and yet somehow still getting the full support of the Chairman before they post that sad picture on social media of a lonely corner flag before thanking us for our service, it’s our 2025-26 Premier League Predictions Week 19 Midweek Special.
Each gameweek in this 2025-26 Premier League season we offer up a stat filled prediction preview, with some barely interesting stats and visuals, just enough to bluff your way through various tipping competitions or betting shops. But it’s hard at this time of the year to keep, as well as deliver Christmas cheer, so apologies in advance if the barely interesting stats aren’t barely enough, or our predictions are too mediocre.
Barely Interesting Stats – 2025-26 Premier League Predictions Week 19 – Stats and Thoughts
Help yourself to a buffet of barely interesting stats, quick one liners and more to help pick a winner.
BEST OF WEEK 19 STATS
Newcastle (D2 L1) are one of three teams not to beat a bottom six club away from home this season.
Bournemouth were second after nine games this season. Their next nine games would see them in the bottom three.
Six of the last seven games between West Ham and Brighton at West Ham have ended in a draw.
Aston Villa have the upper hand over Arsenal for the record v current top six sides this season: Aston Villa W4 L1, Arsenal W1 D2 L2.
Liverpool’s midweek home record v Leeds reads W10 D1 L1. Even better, Liverpool have won 11 straight v Leeds anywhere there has been a midweek game.
Spurs are unbeaten in their last nine trips to Brentford, with the Bees not beating Spurs at home since 1948.
2025-26 Premier League Predictions Week 19
Tue 30th Dec 7:30pm – BURNLEY v NEWCASTLE
Stats: Newcastle have lost five of their last six away. Burnley D1 L4 are winless in their last five home games. Burnley are also winless in their last nine anywhere (L7 followed by D2). Newcastle have won six in a row v Burnley. Newcastle (D2 L1) are one of three teams not to beat a bottom six club away from home this season.
Verdict: Newcastle don’t win a lot away from home, and Burnley don’t win a lot anywhere.
Prediction: Burnley 0 Newcastle 2
Tue 30th Dec 7:30pm – CHELSEA v BOURNEMOUTH
Stats: Bournemouth were second after nine games this season. Their next nine games would see them in the bottom three. Chelsea (W1 D3 L2) have won once in their last six games. Bournemouth have never beaten Chelsea on a Tuesday (D1 L2). Bournemouth (D2 L3) are one of five winless teams this season v current top six sides.
Verdict: Two teams on the slide/off a cliff.
Prediction: Chelsea 3 Bournemouth 1
Tue 30th Dec 7:30pm – NOTTINGHAM FOREST v EVERTON
Stats: Everton are W2 D1 L1 v current bottom six away from home. Everton have won four of their last five v Nottingham Forest (W4 L1). Everton have also won four of their last games away at Nottingham Forest (W4 D1). Nottingham Forest (W4 L2) have won four of their last six midweek games v Everton.
Verdict: A Sean Dyche special.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 0 Everton 0
Tue 30th Dec 7:30pm – WEST HAM v BRIGHTON
Stats: Three of the last four games between these sides ended in a draw (Brighton won the other). Six of the last seven games between West Ham and Brighton at West Ham have ended in a draw.
Verdict: West Ham better start winning, or Nuno will be heading for his second sacking of the season.
Prediction: West Ham 1 Brighton 1
Tue 30th Dec 8:15pm – MANCHESTER UTD v WOLVES
Stats: Wolves won the last game between these sides in April, and are W2 L2 from the last four. Man Utd have won six games in a row v Wolves during midweek at home.
Verdict: Might sound funny, but Wolves aren’t as bad as their two point tally says. Although, it wouldn’t be much better. Would be pure Man Utd of recent years to lose this.
Prediction: Man Utd 1 Wolves 1
Tue 30th Dec 8:15pm – ARSENAL v ASTON VILLA
Stats: Aston Villa’s record at Arsenal for the last four games is W2 D1 L1. At any ground Aston Villa are W3 D1 L1 for the last five meetings. Aston Villa have the upper hand over Arsenal for the record v current top six sides this season: Aston Villa W4 L1, Arsenal W1 D2 L2. Arsenal’s record at home to the current top six sides is one draw from one game. Aston Villa are W3 L1 away to London clubs this season.
Verdict: Who’d think that this game would be first v third and be so pivotal at this stage of the season. Not the one who scheduled this timeslot.
Prediction: Arsenal 1 Aston Villa 2
Thu 1st Jan 5:30pm – CRYSTAL PALACE v FULHAM
Stats: Crystal Palace are last in last three games form, on goal difference. Fulham (W2 D2) are unbeaten in their last four games at Crystal Palace. Fulham are W2 L1 away to London clubs, Crystal Palace are W1 L1 at home to London clubs.
Verdict: A tale of two runs of three straight results. One much better than the other.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1 Fulham 1
Thu 1st Jan 5:30pm – LIVERPOOL v LEEDS
Stats: Leeds did win the last game at Liverpool, and drew the previous one at Leeds this season. Liverpool’s midweek home record v Leeds reads W10 D1 L1. Even better, Liverpool have won 11 straight v Leeds anywhere there has been a midweek game. Leeds are W1 D1 L3 v current top six sides this season, but have lost both away games.
Verdict: The way Leeds are going, this game could end up any old score and any old winner.
Prediction: Liverpool 2 Leeds 1
Thu 1st Jan 8pm – BRENTFORD v TOTTENHAM
Stats: Spurs have won four straight v Brentford. Spurs are unbeaten in their last nine trips to Brentford, with the Bees not beating Spurs at home since 1948. Four of the last five games at Brentford (v Spurs) have ended in a draw. Spurs’ midweek record v Brentford is W7 D1 L1. Brentford’s record v big six sides at home this season is W2 D1 L1.
Verdict: Will be all about Thomas Frank. One club is currently having less manager regret than the other despite similar points tally.
Prediction: Brentford 2 Tottenham 1
Thu 1st Jan 8pm – SUNDERLAND v MANCHESTER CITY
Stats: Sunderland’s record v big six this season so far is one draw from one game. Their record v current top six is W1 D3 L2. Man City are 3/3 v promoted sides this season so far. Man City have won eight in a row v Sunderland.
Verdict: Even with a recent dip, Sunderland look way better than all three promoted sides last season. That doesn’t mean Man City won’t tonk them for a few goals.
Prediction: Sunderland 0 Man City 2
2025-26 Premier League Predictions Week 19
And here are all the tips together in one place for your convenience.
Burnley 0 Newcastle 2
Chelsea 3 Bournemouth 1
Nottingham Forest 0 Everton 0
West Ham 1 Brighton 1
Man Utd 1 Wolves 1
Arsenal 1 Aston Villa 2
Crystal Palace 1 Fulham 1
Liverpool 2 Leeds 1
Brentford 2 Tottenham 1
Sunderland 0 Man City 2
The 2025 F1 season has come to a close, with a new World Champion crowned in McLaren’s Lando Norris. It would be hard to say he didn’t deserve it, but he was pushed all the way by some equally deserving, if less popular drivers. Then there was the next level of drivers who gave way more than their team mate and/or machinery, the also rans, and Lance Stroll. To give the 2025 F1 season the send off it deserves, we go full data and opinion one last time with our 2025 F1 Season Review – Driver of the Year & Stats.
First up we have our over 2025 F1 Driver of the Season, which has been a staple of our F1 coverage for years now. Points awarded according to various achievement throughout the entire F1 weekend. A full explanation is available at the end of this article.
Then we have a summary of season stats for each driver, and in the order from best to worst according to us. Bypassing the Driver of the Year points system for a subjective look at the best and blurst.
Talking of best, we finish off with our usual 2025 season stats to highlight the best, ridicule the blurst, and settle some intra team rivalries in the mean time.
So get ready for a long read with our 2025 F1 Season Review – Driver of the Year & Stats.
2025 F1 Season Review – Driver of the Year Points
Using our Driver Points system, here are the final scores for the 2025 F1 season.
2025 F1 Season Review – Driver of the Year – Gurgler’s Choice
Going further than our own Driver of the Year points system, we order the 21 F1 pilots from 2025 in order from best to blurst in our opinion.
There isn’t much difference to the points system, but we do have a few different thoughts of the ultimate performer in 2025.
1 – MAX VERSTAPPEN
We argue that despite missing out on the Championship, Max Verstappen was the Driver of the Year in F1 in 2025. One could also argue it was one of his finest seasons despite not winning the Driver’s title. As proven by both Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, the 2025 Red Bull was no front runner, and although it did improve when Red Bull put their resources in improving the car and not the ego of their former boss, it probably should never been on pole, nor won more races than either McLaren driver. But win and take pole the Red Bull did. With Max Verstappen. If he had won the title many would have argued it was his best, so only falling a few points short gives an argument it is close to his best year. At a minimum we say he was our Driver of the Year.
2 – LANDO NORRIS
Probably the fastest car/driver combo throughout the year, but he hampered his Championship charge at times with a qualifying blip or race mistake, or in one case, an unfortunate DNF. But once he got the McLaren car and team tactics to his liking he stepped up another gear. That golden run of form got him above Oscar Piastri and far enough away from Max Verstappen to hold onto his first title. Hard to argue he doesn’t deserve it after showing plenty of speed in 2025 and occasionally being in a class by himself, especially in latter season qualifying.
3 – OSCAR PIASTRI
Looked as solid as a 10 year F1 driver in the middle of the season, looking calm and composed beyond his experience, leading the Championship with ease it seemed. But then the Italian Grand Prix team orders, and some tracks not to his taste saw him unravel for a good couple of months and that run cost him the Championship. Of course some (including us) could argue that the McLaen setup went away from him in the last third of the season, but also Oscar had some poor races. Baku was short and not very sweet, in Austin his Sprint Race first corner looked bas, Brazil he was unlucky, and Mexico he couldn’t get past a Haas. But Championship disappointment aside, one has to remember this is only three seasons into his F1 career so far, and the first one was spent in a McLaren barely more competitive than a mower. A Championship is coming, if he stays in the right car. Hopefully Mark Webber has better luck for his client.
4 – GEORGE RUSSELL
George Russell was a real nuisance in 2025, in a good way for him. He regularly threatened to take pole and started from the top three on a number of occasions. He also had two wins on merit, which is a solid effort given how competitive the McLarens have been. He may well get lucky with being in a Mercedes when the rules change for 2026 and find himself in a rocket ship. If the car is up for it, George Russell proved in 2025 that he looks well up for a title charge too.
5 – CHARLES LECLERC
Seven podiums was a decent collect for Charles Leclerc in 2025, given the Ferrari was hardly class of the field, and his more illustrious, World Champion team mate secured no podiums. (Lewis Hamilton did win a sprint race). But Leclerc was thereabouts on most weekends, if not right at the front, close enough. One does wonder how much longer he will put up with Ferrari’s lack of front running car. The new regs for 2026 might see him reconsidering,.
6 – ISACK HADJAR
6th place for Isack Hadjar means he is our 2025 F1 Rookie of the Season, and despite the Class of 2025 of F1 Rookies being the best and biggest in decades. A podium in Holland was a rich reward for being fast throughout most of the 2025 F1 season. A consistent Q3 qualifier, he also finished in the points for 10/22 races, although did go missing a few times on raceday and the car or strategy didn’t suit. A good come back from his start where he spun off on the Formation Lap of the first race of the season. His reward for 2026 is a Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen. He might be Red Bull’s best chance at a decent number two in a while.
7 – FERNANDO ALONSO
Probably higher than he deserves according to others, or higher than other 2025 F1 Seasons ratings, but where the car permitted he still showed loads of speed for an old timer. Maybe not podium or race winning speed, as the Aston Martin wasn’t quite up to that, but every now and again he would pop up with a burst of speed and threaten the front runners. There’s certainly been enough speed to warrant a 2026 crack at Adrian Newey’s first Aston Martin.
8 – CARLOS SAINZ
Was getting a bit worried for Carlos in the early part of the season that his move to Willaims was looking a dud for him, but he did turn it around in the second half of the season with two podiums. Ended up out-qualifying Alex Albon by 14-10 and more often than not made Q3 in the second half of the season.
9 – ALEX ALBON
If you combined the first half of Alex Albon’s 2025 season with Carlos Sainz’s second half of the season, you’d have a driver in the top five for 2025 for sure. Alex Albon was best of the rest for a lot of weekends in the first half of the season, but couldn’t quite get that break through of a podium for Williams in 2025. 11 points finishes in the first 16 races of the season was commendable, but going six races without at the end of the season was less so.
10 – OLIVER BEARMAN
A very good rookie season, continuing his promise from a few guest appearances in 2024. Giving Rookies a good name with hopes that F1 teams continue to take a chance on new blood rather than the solid-ness of drivers like his team mate Esteban Ocon. Bearman out-qualified Ocon 14-10 with the races at 12-12. His drive at the Mexico Grand Prix to keep Oscar Piastri was a good show of speed and race craft. And with Ferrari probably looking at one or two new drivers over the next few seasons, this Ferrari Academy prodigy hasn’t done his chances any harm.
11 – KIMI ANTONELLI
Gifted the best rookie drive since Lewis Hamilton at McLaren, Kimi Antonelli entered the 2025 season under a lot of pressure and had a classic up and down rookie season. There were glimpses of real speed and great racecraft, taking a Maimi Sprint pole, and three race podiums, mixed with a shocker of an exit in Austria where he wiped out Max Verstappen. Had a mid season slump after his Canadian GP podium, but finished the season strongly to earn himself another crack next season with Mercedes.
12 – GABRIEL BORTOLETO
Did an outstanding job as a rookie, doing well against the notoriously fast Nico Hulkenberg, with a solid five times to Q3 and five points scoring drives. Was building some real momentum for the season until a very bad home race at the Brazilian Grand Prix, then didn’t have things much better in Las Vegas. That didn’t overshadow a very good rookie season too much.
13 – NICO HULKENBERG
Finally got the podium his career deserved one of the season’s most popular results. Showed plenty of flashes of speed over the season in various sessions, but only made Q3 once. Just edged the H2H over his rookie team mate, so you possibly expected more of a thrashing there. The Sauber was much improved on previous seasons, but even so, the nine points finishes in 2025 was massive. Justifies his seat for at least next season.
14 – LEWIS HAMILTON
The last regular season driver for Ferrari that went a season without scoring a podium finish was 2014 with Kimi Raikkonen, that is an attempt to put Lewis Hamilton’s awful season into perspective. Sure, he won the Chinese GP Sprint Race, but that was the falsest of dawns as the Ferrari and Hamilton went backwards, rapidly as the season ended. He ended the season with three consecutive Q1 exits including dead last in Las Vegas. Fair to say the move to Ferrari hasn’t worked out yet, and there’s no signs that things will be any rosier in 2026.
15 – PIERRE GASLY
Hard to believe, given the competitiveness of the Alpine in 2025 that Pierre Gasly made Q3 ten times, and scored 22 points. Which was all of Alpine’s 2025 points. The season got progressively worse for Alpine in general, which is why Gasly isn’t higher up our driver of the year list.
16 – LIAM LAWSON
Looked the most out-of-depth, out-of-sorts Red Bull number two driver in a while, but given only two races which seems quite unfair. And his replacement did no better with 22 races. Rebuilt his reputation at Racing Bulls enough to be kept instead of Tsunoda for 2026 so job done to a degree. Found trouble on occasion in races, and always seemed surly which doesn’t help his likeability. But given the speed of his RB team mate, and starting a few races late, his 2025 season H2H isn’t too bad.
17 – ESTEBAN OCON
Mostly shown up by his rookie team mate is not a great look or result for this one-time Grand Prix winner. The H2H record was quite good in 2025, and his haul of 38 points isn’t too bad, but both are behind Oliver Bearman. Underwhelming but not terrible is how we describe his season.
18 – YUKI TSUNODA
Gifted the Red Bull drive at the expenses of the massively struggling Liam Lawson after two races, and then preceded to have a season where it is debatable to say Tsunoda was an upgrade. Occasional showed some speed, but so he should, it was a Red Bull after all. Lost his seat in F1 for 2026, and it’s probably fair enough. Not many drivers in the Red Bull program have been given as many chances.
19 – JACK DOOHAN
Sacked before he could shine, but whether he could in the season’s worst car is debatable. It’s not as if he set the world on fire in his six race stint. The crash in Japan was a shocker, and likely to have rubber stamped his exit from Alpine. And F1, as it is hard to see him making a comeback anytime soon.
20 – FRANCO COLAPINTO
The other driver who scored no points, and is lower than the driver he replaced simply because he had more races to attempt to score points. He was told that he was hired to go fast, score point and not crash. Pretty confident to say he failed. Not that there were flashes of speed, or chances at points, and he did keep the car out of the walls mostly, but still he remained pointless. As was, money aside, the decision to retain him for 2026.
21 – LANCE STROLL
People tell us we’re a bit harsh on Lance Stroll. We disagree.
2025 F1 Season Review – 2025 Season Stats
Here to wrap up the season review is our 2025 season stats from the year that was. The ones that featured every week with our Driver Ratings and Stats.
Worth slightly less than a transfer window, eating slightly more than a Christmas lunch, with more point than an entire pack of Wolves, playing in a formation that was unfashionable and illegal 60 years ago, and yet somehow still getting the full support of the Chairman before they post that sad picture on social media of a lonely corner flag before thanking us for our service, it’s our 2025-26 Premier League Predictions Week 18 Boxing Day Special.
Each gameweek in this 2025-26 Premier League season we offer up a stat filled prediction preview, with some barely interesting stats and visuals, just enough to bluff your way through various tipping competitions or betting shops. But it’s hard at this time of the year to keep, as well as deliver Christmas cheer, so apologies in advance if the barely interesting stats aren’t barely enough, or our predictions are too mediocre.
Barely Interesting Stats – 2025-26 Premier League Predictions Week 18 – Stats and Thoughts
Help yourself to a buffet of barely interesting stats, quick one liners and more to help pick a winner.
BEST OF WEEK 18 STATS
In all competitions, Newcastle have won five of the last six v Man Utd.
Liverpool have won five in a row v Wolves and 13 of the last 15.
West Ham are unbeaten v Fulham at home in December (W5 D2)
West Ham have lost all five games v London clubs this season so far.
Both Leeds and Sunderland have lost their only game v other promoted sides this season.
2025-26 Premier League Predictions Week 18
FRI 26th 8PM – MANCHESTER UTD v NEWCASTLE
Stats: In all competitions, Newcastle have won five of the last six v Man Utd. Newcastle have also won the last two games between these sides in December. Newcastle have won just once away from home this season – overall away record is W1 D3 L4. Man Utd are currently W2 D2 L2 against the current middle eight sides, Newcastle are W2 D1 L2.
Verdict: A loss for either will place the manager under pressure and edge the team closer to the relegation battle. No Bruno F will help Newcastle.
Prediction: Manchester Utd 1 Newcastle 1
SAT 27th 12:30PM – NOTTINGHAM FOREST v MANCHESTER CITY
Stats: It’s one result a piece for the last three of this fixture at Nottingham Forest – W1 D1 L1. Man City have won just two of the last ten games between these sides in December. Forest have won four of those games. Using table position at time of match, and not current table, Nott’m Forest are one of two teams yet to beat a top six side. The other is Wolves.
Verdict: Is this the part of the season where Man City win a million in a row and take the title out of every other team’s hands. Probably.
Prediction: Nott’m Forest 0 Man City 4
SAT 27th 3PM – LIVERPOOL v WOLVES
Stats: Liverpool have won five in a row v Wolves and 13 of the last 15. Liverpool are unbeaten in their last eight home games v Wolves (W7 D1). It’s four in a row to Liverpool in December too. Wolves have lost all five games v the current top six sides. West Ham have lost all six.
Verdict: Poor Wolves have to play Liverpool away, although Liverpool are so hot and cold who knows.
Prediction: Liverpool 2 Wolves 1
SAT 27th 3PM – WEST HAM v FULHAM
Stats: West Ham have won five of the last six at home to Fulham (one loss the other result). West Ham are unbeaten v Fulham at home in December (W5 D2). West Ham have lost all five games v London clubs this season so far. Fulham are W2 L3.
Verdict: West Ham are looking at the second division’s biggest stadium if they don’t hurry up and win.
Prediction: West Ham 2 Fulham 1
SAT 27th 3PM – ARSENAL v BRIGHTON
Stats: The last two games between these clubs ended in a draw. Arsenal have won only two of the last seven home games v Brighton (W2 D2 L3). Brighton are undefeated v London clubs this season – W2 D4. Brighton Are W2 D1 L2 v big six clubs this season.
Verdict: A tough one for Arsenal to keep ahead of the title, against a side who are annoyingly successful away at their ground.
Prediction: Arsenal 1 Brighton 1
SAT 27th 3PM – BRENTFORD v BOURNEMOUTH
Stats: Going back to 2015, Brentford have lost just once and won a lot of games v Bournemouth W8 D2 L1. Brentford have won five of the last six home games v Brentford. And are unbeaten in their last 12 home games v Bournemouth (W7 D5). Going back to 1995 the home record for Brentford v Bournemouth is W15 D5 L2.
Verdict: Bournemouth are sliding towards the relegation zone, while Brentford tread water in the midfield.
Prediction: Brentford 1 Bournemouth 1
SAT 27th 3PM – BURNLEY v EVERTON
Stats: Everton have won six of the seven games v Burnley in December. Everton are W3 D1 L1 v current bottom six sides. Burnley’s last start draw broke a run of seven striaght defeats. It’s still four losses in a row at home.
Verdict: The Saturday 3pm game of the week.
Prediction: Burnley 0 Everton 1
SAT 27th 5:30PM – CHELSEA v ASTON VILLA
Stats: Aston Villa have lost just one of their last five games v Chelsea (W3 D1 L1). Aston Villa have won seven league games in a row while Chelsea have won one of their last five (W1 D3 L1).
Verdict: A quality top four clash awaits.
Prediction: Chelsea 1 Aston Villa 3
SUN 28th 2PM – SUNDERLAND v LEEDS UTD
Stats: Both of these teams have lost their only game v other promoted sides this season.
Verdict: Leeds are really building momentum now, but Sunderland are still one of the stories of the season.
Prediction: Sunderland 0 Leeds 2
SUN 28th 4:30PM – CRYSTAL PALACE v TOTTENHAM
Stats: Crystal Palace did the double over Spurs last season. Spurs have never lost to Crystal Palace in December (W3 D5). Crystal Palace are W3 D1 L1 v London clubs this season, while Spurs are W2 L3.
Verdict: Crystal Palace to inflict more misery on Spurs.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 2 Tottenham 1
2025-26 Premier League Predictions Week 18
And here are all the tips together in one place for your convenience.
Manchester Utd 1 Newcastle 1
Nott’m Forest 0 Man City 4
Liverpool 2 Wolves 1
West Ham 2 Fulham 1
Arsenal 1 Brighton 1
Brentford 1 Bournemouth 1
Burnley 0 Everton 1
Chelsea 1 Aston Villa 3
Sunderland 0 Leeds 2
Crystal Palace 2 Tottenham 1
Worth slightly less than a transfer window, worried that a change of manager will make no difference, with more point than an entire pack of Wolves, playing in a formation that was unfashionable and illegal 60 years ago, and yet somehow still getting the full support of the Chairman before they post that sad picture on social media of a lonely corner flag before thanking us for our service, it’s our 2025-26 Premier League Predictions Week 17.
Each gameweek in this 2025-26 Premier League season we offer up a stat filled prediction preview, with some barely interesting stats and visuals, just enough to bluff your way through various tipping competitions or betting shops. But it’s hard at this time of the year to keep, as well as deliver Christmas cheer, so apologies in advance if the barely interesting stats aren’t barely enough, or our predictions are too mediocre.
Barely Interesting Stats – 2025-26 Premier League Predictions Week 17 – Stats and Thoughts
Help yourself to a buffet of barely interesting stats, quick one liners and more to help pick a winner.
BEST OF WEEK 17 STATS
Newcastle have won their last three games v Chelsea at home, and by a combined 7-1.
Man City have won nine in a row v West Ham at home, with an overall home record v West Ham of W22 D3 L4 going back to 1992.
Going back to 2013, Liverpool have a record v Spurs of W17 D6 L2.
Aston Villa’s home record v Man Utd is W1 D7 L19 going back to 2000.
2025-26 Premier League Predictions Week 17
SAT 12:30PM – NEWCASTLE v CHELSEA
Stats: Newcastle have won their last three games v Chelsea at home, and by a combined 7-1. Home form holds up going a bit further back to, with Newcastle’s home record over the last 12 leagues v Chelsea W8 D1 L3. On a Saturday in Newcastle it is W6 D1 L2. Newcastle have a great record on Saturday this season W5 D2 L1 winning all four home games on a Saturday this season.
Verdict: Lucky Newcastle are good at home.
Prediction: Newcastle 1 Chelsea 0
SAT 3PM – WOLVES v BRENTFORD
Stats: The last game played between these teams on a Saturday ended 5-3 to Brentford. Wolves are D1 L7 at home and Brentford are W1 L7 away. Both are on a run of four straight losses home/away.
Verdict: What a cracker…a team that can’t win away against a team can’t win at all.
Prediction: Wolves 0 Brentford 0
SAT 3PM – BOURNEMOUTH v BURNLEY
Stats: Bournemouth have scored exactly two goals in their last four games v Burnley for a return of W3 L1. Burnley have now lost seven games in a row. Bournemouth are W2 D2 v current bottom six teams. Both of these teams average the most goals conceded away from home.
Verdict: The Saturday 3pm special of the week.
Prediction: Bournemouth 2 Burnley 0
SAT 3PM – MANCHESTER CITY v WEST HAM
Stats: West Ham are without a win vs the big six clubs this season so far D1 L4, and are one of only three clubs not to beat a big six club – Burnley and Wolves are the others. Man City have won six in a row vs West Ham. Man City have also not lost to West Ham since 2015 for a record of W17 L3. Man City have won nine in a row v West Ham at home, with an overall home record v West Ham of W22 D3 L4 going back to 1992.
Verdict: Man City hitting form playing West Ham at home…that’s a paddling.
Prediction: Man City 5 West Ham 1
SAT 3PM – BRIGHTON v SUNDERLAND
Stats: Brighton have won ten of their last 12 home games v Sunderland, the other two results were losses. Going back to all-time, Brighton win rate at home to Sunderland is 71%. Brighton are 1/1 v promoted sides this season. Sunderland have already overtaken Southampton’s away points from last season.
Verdict: A game that wouldn’t have looked out of place in the third tier a decade ago, is now a reasonably interesting Premier League match.
Prediction: Brighton 2 Sunderland 0
SAT 5:30PM – TOTTENHAM v LIVERPOOL
Stats: Going back to 2013, Liverpool have a record v Spurs of W17 D6 L2. Away to Spurs the record since 2013 is W7 D3 L2. Spurs have a slightly better record this season v big six clubs – W1 D1 L2 vs Liverpool W1 L3. Both Liverpool and Spurs have won only three games since Gameweek 6.
Verdict: Premium match for teams that should be going much better and aren’t. Stay for the car crash.
Prediction: Spurs 0 Liverpool 1
SAT 8PM – LEEDS v CRYSTAL PALACE
Stats: Crystal Palace did the double over Leeds last time around with a combined score of 7-2. Prior to that last season Leeds have won seven in a row at home to Crystal Palace. Leeds have won the last four home games on a Saturday v Crystal Palace, with three or more goals scored in all of those wins as well as both teams scoring. Crystal Palace are W1 D1 v promoted clubs. Crystal Palace’s W5 D1 L2 record away from home is the Premier League’s best, and they have conceded the fewest goals.
Verdict: Feels like this is the entertainers match of the week.
Prediction: Leeds 2 Crystal Palace 3
SAT 8PM – EVERTON v ARSENAL
Stats: Both games ended in a draw last season. Arsenal have an ordinary record away to Everton, their last seven trips have ended W1 D2 L4. It’s D2 L2 for Arsenal in the last four on a Saturday. Arsenal are 6/6 wins over bottom six clubs (at time of game).
Verdict: Saturday night is a good night to hit the bottle.
Prediction: Everton 1 Arsenal 1
SUN 4:30PM – ASTON VILLA v MANCHESTER UTD
Stats: Aston Villa’s recent record at home to Man Utd reads ok, with W1 D2 L1. But going further back for their home record, it shows a run of W1 D7 L19 going back to 2000. Man Utd’s record on a Sunday v Aston Villa is W14 D5 L2. Aston Villa have the best record on a Sunday with W8 D1 L1, while Man Utd is less excellent with W2 D1 L1.
Verdict: The dark horse for the title bid continues.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2 Man Utd 2
MONDAY 8PM – FULHAM v NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Stats: Fulham have won their last three home games to Nottingham Forest by a combined total of 9-1. Fulham have a great record at home for midweek games v Nottingham Forest, W7 D2 L1.Fulham W2 D2 are unbeaten on a Monday v Forest at home. Nottingham Forest are winless away to London clubs this season (D1 L1).
Verdict: Typical that a team with Ham in the name and a team with a bright red shirt with a tree for a logo is the closest game to Christmas Day.
Prediction: Fulham 2 Nottingham Forest 0
2025-26 Premier League Predictions Week 17
And here are all the tips together in one place for your convenience.
Newcastle 1 Chelsea 0
Wolves 0 Brentford 0
Bournemouth 2 Burnley 0
Man City 5 West Ham 1
Brighton 2 Sunderland 0
Spurs 0 Liverpool 1
Leeds 2 Crystal Palace 3
Everton 1 Arsenal 1
Aston Villa 2 Man Utd 2
Fulham 2 Nottingham Forest 0
Some regular readers of The Gurgler have accused us of being way too cynical after launching our 2025 Jerk of the Year Nominations, but that’s a bit unfair. First of all, we have no regular readers, nor do the ones we have get in touch, but also, people and things have been awful in 2025, and just because we highlight that says more about them than us. But for balance, we also celebrate the good, great, okayish people and things which have wiped the scowl from a yaps for even a few seconds this year. So like the many years before, here are The Gurgler’s 2025 Person of the Year nominations.
The Gurgler’s Person of the Year works a lot like Jerk of the Year. We pick people and things that we think are worthy of representing the good of each year, and you the many fan of The Gurgler vote from that choice. The winner has the most votes when we call this off on New Year’s Day.
Our favourite athlete in the world won this award last year, and there’s no reason he can’t win it again, and everything else in the future. Whilst the results didn’t quite match the hype in the World Athletics Champs in Tokyo, he is still an excitement machine, and king of the kids too, inspiring more kids to be more him. So why not a double for him for Person of the Year, his name doubles up so makes sense.
RAY STONE
All we know is that Dolphins NRL tough man Ray Stone would hate this nomination. Just like the way he hates scoring tries, missed tackles, opposition players making more than one run metre, losing, scoring more than one try in a game, offloads, The Bunker, referees, sunsets and sunrises, and scoring tries. He’d probably also hate to know that he brings joy to us, even at his own expense for pain. But in the end, pain is his friend, so maybe he enjoys it after all. But luckily, he doesn’t know where we live, so we won’t feel one of his punishing tackles for nominating him for Gurgler 2025 Person of the Year.
GROK
AI has become a buzz word around the world. From TV News reports, to Financial Markets to corporate meeting where it has become the new buzzword for, and let The Simpsons say it best, “Aren’t these just buzzwords that dumb people use to sound important? Not that I’m accusing you of anything like that… I’m fired, aren’t I?”.
But Grok has been our friend throughout 2025, helping us create some great content including an entire series of AI Greg Norman Comics, which have been our favourite thing ever on this website.
Sadly, the likeness of Greg Norman has dropped off in recent months, but we still thank it for it’s service.
AI GREG NORMAN
Following on from Grok is no mistake, as the two go hand in hand. Through Grok AI Greg Norman was born, and his adventures, Nor-mansplaining and cooking have been a shining light on an otherwise dreary 2025. To relive some of the joyful moments, here are the best of the links below.
A great rugby league caller, and no surprise he is on Channel Nein. Of course Channel Nein securing yet another Jerk of the Year nomination. But he finds the balance between being good, enthusiastic, funny, unlike most. He doesn’t yell for the sake of it like Channel Nein. He doesn’t try and crack jokes all the time like Andrew Voss. And he seems to love Ray Stone. Which helps. Seeing his name at the helm of the comments for any NRL match brings joy. And we’ve turned that joy into a 2025 Person of the Year nomination.
SPORTING MASCOTS
Every year it seems Sports Mascots get nominations, and they deserve it. In the category of offer plenty and ask nothing, they live to give to provide live entertainment. And take the occasionally beating from naughty children, and alcohol fueled abuse for your entertainment. So don’t they deserve a Person of the Year nomination?
VALTTERI BOTTAS
He gone from invisible F1 pilot Valtteri Nottas, to an amusing F1 personality via social media. He has provided much entertainment off track, if not on it in 2025, with behind the scenes footage and very helpful information for F1 fans. It also helps we has an Australian partner, and very fine mullet and moustache. And we have no doubt all this helped him get a drive at Cadillac F1 for 2026. As long as he keeps the mo and hair.
YOUTUBE
Another thing that asks so little yet gives so much. With more interesting content than it would take a lifetime or two to get through, it is a very useful resource for time killing, and with a growing collection of back-in-the-day Formula 1, there’s even less reason to own normal TV anymore.
BRUCE McAVENEY
It’s also when you hear Bruce doing his thing, especially for Athletics that you realise just how good he is at his craft. Where others scream and yell, or smug their way through sporting coverage, Bruce is the ultimate professional, and knows his sh!t. In an old school, no opinion-just-facts kind of way. What a shame the opposite of all of that Channel Nein have the Olympics coverage these days. Or any sport.
CANBERRA RAIDERS / RICKY STUART
Whilst they fell short of ultimate NRL glory, there’s nothing better than a likeable sporting team, full of players that aren’t fashionable, winning a lot of games and taking the minor premiership. And they entertained along the way. And Ricky Stuart aka the Angry Ant aka Sticky aka Carlos Smearson is a major part of it all.
ROY AND HG
Still going and still good. Providing the balance for sporting coverage the world needs.
The festive season is here, and you know what that means. Lot of everything. Lots of drinking. Lots of eating. Lots of that bloody Mariah Carey song every time you go somewhere in public, just the way you like it. But it is also a time for other Christmas songs and tradition, and when talking more or lots of anything, The Gurgler website will usually get behind lots and more of AI Greg Norman.
The 2025 stocking has filled stocked to breaking point with shirtless AI Greg Norman, so why would or should the Christmas period be any different. In fact Christmas is a time of excess, so why not more. Too much AI Greg Norman is barely enough we say.
So for a holiday treat, and a 2025 countdown which seems to be all the rage on social media, so we are told, here is the traditional 12 Days of Christmas, done as only The Gurgler knows how and best. By infusing AI Greg Norman into every day, counting from 12 backwards with a new exclusive picture every day, and finishing with a final pic on Christmas Eve.
So don your favourite Lowes Hawaiian shirt, grab another beer and more food that you need, and enjoy the The 12 Days of Gregmas.
Merry Gregmas.
And a 2026 filled with more AI Greg Norman.
On the 12th Day of Gregmas….The Gurgler Gave to you….
12 Drummers Drumming
On the 11th Day of Gregmas….The Gurgler Gave to you….
11 Pipers Piping
On the 10th Day of Gregmas….The Gurgler Gave to you….
10 Lords-A-Leaping
12 Days of Gregmas – Day 10
On the 9th Day of Gregmas….The Gurgler Gave to you….
9 Ladies Dancing
12 Days of Gregmas – Day 9
On the 8th Day of Gregmas….The Gurgler Gave to you….
8 Maids-A-Milking
On the 7th Day of Gregmas….The Gurgler Gave to you….
7 Swans-a-Swimming
On the 6th Day of Gregmas….The Gurgler Gave to you….
6 Geese-a-Laying
On the 5th Day of Gregmas….The Gurgler Gave to you….
5 Golden Rings
On the 4th Day of Gregmas….The Gurgler Gave to you….
4 Calling Birds
On the 3rd Day of Gregmas….The Gurgler Gave to you….
3 French Hens
On the 2nd Day of Gregmas….The Gurgler Gave to you….
It was the best of times, it was the blurst of times….Actually no, 2025 sucked in so many different ways, and as ever The Gurgler website have moaned about most of the people and things that caused this all year long. And as is now traditional, and in the 10th edition we assemble the blurst of the blurst and offer up our 2025 Jerk of the Year Nominations.
Every year since 2016, The Gurgler has picked out the worst people, groups and things from the year that was, full of bias, with some of that unfair, but there’s one thing in common, being a jerk. So it’s really not us, it’s you (to the jerks). We get that list of jerks and hand it over to the few reader that the website has, and let a democratic vote of the people crown the 2025 Jerk of the Year.
But you should always vote with some background, so we have provided the 2025 Jerk of the Year form guide before our official 2025 Jerk of the Year voting art the bottom.
And always, Vote Early, Vote Often.
2025 Jerk of the Year Nominations Vote Now
Vote early, vote often. And follow the form guide below.
Here’s a quick run down of all the nominations and the reasons they are part of this exclusive club.
POLITICS
It would be so easy to nominate one person from politics, and lord knows that certain people would deserve a solo nomination but is it really the person or the game they are in – politics?
The quick answer is f–k no, it’s person for sure, but the long answer and the one we are taking for 2025 Jerk of the Year is that all politics and most politicians as jerks.
There’s a few we like, and some of them make it to our 2025 Person of the Year, but not many. If any. And also too many.
And we really don’t wanna clog this voting process up with hundreds of people.
Politics have become so ferociously one side over another that people are blind to good and bad. Some as mild as Australia’s Albo are the worst thing that has ever happened, but others will tell you that a gentleman in charge of the USA is, and then others will tell you he is the greatest thing to happen ever. Then you work out that most politicians suck anyway.
All of that get tiresome after a while, especially but this time of the year when Jerk of the Year noms need to be finalised. So here is your first 2025 Jerk of the Year Nomination, all politics.
TWITTER AKA X
Following on from the politicians is the airspace that they live and breathe. Or that allows politics to be so awful.
In fairness, most social media probably deserves a nomination for Jerk of the Year, but no one and nothing on earth peddles hate, from both side of politics like Twitter.
It doesn’t help that one of the most unlikeable people on the face of the earth runs the show, who could very well have been up for a personal nomination as well.
Below him are people that use free speech as a cover for being truly awful. The end result is a mix of hate, racism, ignorance, sport clickbait, virtue signaling from big companies and any sponsored content.
And a Jerk of the Year nomination.
NEWS LIMITED ONLINE COMMENTS SECTION
One step lower than Twitter for ignorance is any News Ltd Comments section for Australian based websites.
Spoiler alert – everything is Albo’s fault.
CHANNEL NEIN
For their insistence on Wednesday State of Origin, Sunday night Grand Finals, and Mat Thompson screaming instead of commentating. And for any sports broadcasting of theirs this decade. And before.
SKY F1
The most biased sporting commentary team in any sport in the world. Their obsession with certain drivers has made the pre and post session coverage almost unwatchable, and for some slightly tarred their reputations as superior broadcasters. Although, must exclude Karun Chandhok who has been a shining light. But they got what they wanted, which might make 2026 even worse.
DANICA PATRICK
Talk about getting worse, the Sky F1 coverage did on multiple times in 2025 as Danica Patrick joined in. The worst sporting special comments person in the world. A conversation killer who adds to Sky’s unwatchable-ness when in America. And this is no bias that you have to be an ex-F1 driver or Champion, or have to be from Europe, and is certainly not biased against females as most in the Sky F1 cast are excellent. This is purely that Danica Patrick is the worst motorsport contributor around. She’s the Lance Stroll of F1 punditry.
LANCE STROLL
Lance Stroll is the Lance Stroll of F1 Drivers. With places on the F1 grid are so limited, what a shame one is wasted on this pathetic Daddy’s boy. How someone who appears to outwardly hate being an F1 driver so much is beyond belief as it is one of the greatest jobs in the world alongside beer quality control officer, the guy who designs the patterns of lawn mowing on sports grounds and train driver. The sooner he retires himself the better for everyone. Including the hundreds of better drivers in multiple racing series around the world who deserve an F1 seat more.
FIA PRESIDENT – MOHAMMED BEN SULAYEM
Is as popular in F1 as a McLaren team order or Lance Stroll, the FIA President has ruled F1 miserably being disliked by fans, drivers and teams alike, with his only fans being the people he tells to be. Sacked key people, mostly for no good reason, threatened bans for swearing and wearing jewelry, and for others merely breathing. Sadly looks like he might run unopposed and let his awful reign continue. Tis the year for awful people being in charge.
FIFA PRESIDENT – GIANNI INFANTINO
And we all though Sepp Blatter was the worst sporting president ever. The latest has asked the world to hold many beers. Whereas Blatter appeared to be just plain corrupt, Infantino looks to be next level comedy bad guy boss. The FIFA Peace Prize is among the largest acts of public arse kissing seen in history.
BUZZ ROTHFIELD
An annual inclusion for rugby league’s most pitiful contributor. Disguises his hatred of rugby league through dropping half hints and knowing stuff. Maybe he does, and maybe we just don’t believe it. How someone can do a job for so long in an industry he appears to hate is amazing. The fact he works for News Ltd doesn’t help.
FOSSIE BEAR
The Muppet Show isn’t funny, just a collection of muppets crazily going about things pretending to know what they’re doing. But of all the Muppets in the Muppet Show Fossie Bear is the very worse. A comedian who isn’t funny is about the most useless thing on earth. Not that he doesn’t make you laugh, just not for the reasons he is intending.
JONESES
Problem with Joneses is you only get a small amount of time to enjoy their jerkdom. One minute they’re your best friend, happy to take advantage of your generosity and friendship, the next minute they’ve upgraded and found something better as they always do. Once your usefulness to them is complete, you get nothing but empty death stares for no reason other than they are now better than you. Of course you’ve done nothing wrong, but that doesn’t matter. You no longer matter. The only thing is left to wonder what you’ve ever done wrong and wonder if you were just being used the whole time, and hand them a vote for Jerk of the Year.
BOM
For changing a perfectly good website over in the middle of the traditional severe storm season. And paying $95M to have a website that was worse than the predecessor and not better than a 35 year old single man’s blog about the worst overgrown public footpaths in Sydney. You’d think that the BOM would have been able to forecast when to changeover a website and predict that people wouldn’t prefer it.
PEOPLE
Finally, at the heart of an awful 2025 are people. Most people. Awful people. And people being awful. Not just big, awful things. Lots of little awful things, by awful people or people being awful.
Worth slightly less than a transfer window, worried that a change of manager has made no difference, with more point than an entire pack of Wolves, playing in a formation that was unfashionable and illegal 60 years ago, and somehow getting the full support of the Chairman, it’s our 2025-26 Premier League Predictions Week 16.
Each gameweek in this 2025-26 Premier League season we offer up a stat filled prediction preview, with some barely interesting stats and visuals, just enough to bluff your way through various tipping competitions or betting shops.
We also attempted to guess the final Premier League ladder in advance. Follow the link to that here.
Barely Interesting Stats – 2025-26 Premier League Predictions Week 16 – Stats and Thoughts
Help yourself to a buffet of barely interesting stats, quick one liners and more to help pick a winner.
BEST OF WEEK 16 STATS
Everton last won at Chelsea in 1994 and since then it has been 22 losses and 14 draws.
Fulham haven’t won at Burnley since 1951, it has been 26 losses and eight draws since.
Arsenal have won eight in a row v Wolves, and Wolves have scored in two of those games.
Aston Villa have the best Sunday record this season at 2.44 points per game coming from W7 D1 L1.
Leeds are the only pointless team on a Sunday this season.
At either ground on a Sunday, Sunderland are undefeated in nine games v Newcastle, winning five.
2025-26 Premier League Predictions Week 16
SAT 3PM – CHELSEA v EVERTON
Stats: Everton last won at Chelsea in 1994 and since then it has been 22 losses and 14 draws. Five of the last six times Everton have scored a goal in a match at Chelsea they have got a point. This will be Everton’s first game away to a London club this season.
Verdict: The last time Everton won at Chelsea the internet barely existed.
Prediction: Chelsea 2 Everton 0
SAT 3PM – LIVERPOOL v BRIGHTON
Stats: Brighton are W2 D1 L1 v big six clubs this season. Brighton have only ever won once at Liverpool on a Saturday in 1982. Overall it is W8 D5 L1 for Liverpool. Brighton (and Man Utd) have the highest % of games where both teams score – 11/15.
Verdict: Maybe it can get worse for Liverpool.
Prediction: Liverpool 2 Brighton 2
SAT 5:30PM – BURNLEY v FULHAM
Stats: Fulham haven’t won at Burnley since 1951, it has been 26 losses and eight draws since. At either ground Burnley are W3 D2 over the last five games. Burnley come into this game on a run of six straight losses, same as Wolves.
Verdict: How this isn’t kicking off at 3pm is a wonder.
Prediction: Burnley 1 Fulham 0
SAT 8PM – ARSENAL v WOLVES
Stats: Despite only having two draws in their 15 games so far, Wolves’ expected goals against is better than West Ham and Burnley. Arsenal have won eight in a row v Wolves, and Wolves have scored in two of those games. Arsenal are also unbeaten at home on a Saturday v Wolves in the last eight meetings (w6 D2 for Arsenal). One of Wolves’ two points this season have come against a big six club.
Verdict: Is this the most one-sided game of the season?
Prediction: Arsenal 5 Wolves 0
SUN 2PM – CRYSTAL PALACE v MAN CITY
Stats: Crystal Palace are W1 D1 L2 v big six clubs this season. Man City are W2 D1 away to London clubs. Crystal Palace hold their own against Man City over the past four seasons with their record W1 D3 L4. Although, Crystal Palace’s record v Man City is better away than home. At home they haven’t won since 2015 with eight losses and three draws since.
Verdict: A top four clash with lots of potential for entertainment.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 0 Man City 3
SUN 2PM – NOTTINGHAM FOREST v TOTTENHAM
Stats: Nottingham Forest have won the last two games v Spurs. Tottenham have won the last two on a Sunday.
Verdict: At least one of these clubs has gone better since Ange left.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1 Spurs 1
SUN 2PM – SUNDERLAND v NEWCASTLE
Stats: Sunderland have won the last three games at home to Newcastle on a Sunday. Overall Sunderland have a W3 D5 L2 record at home to Newcastle on a Sunday. At either ground on a Sunday, Sunderland are undefeated in nine games v Newcastle, winning five.
Verdict: How the first Tyne-Wear derby isn’t the premium 4:30pm kick off beats us. Especially when the alternative is Brentford-Leeds.
Prediction: Sunderland 1 Newcastle 1
SUN 2PM – WEST HAM v ASTON VILLA
Stats: Aston Villa have the best Sunday record this season at 2.44 points per game coming from W7 D1 L1. Aston Villa W2 D3 are unbeaten in their last five v West Ham, but prior to that they had lost five in a row. Five of the six games between these sides at West Ham on a Sunday have ended in a draw.
Verdict: Can the form team of the league push for a title after their big win against Arsenal last weekend. If they can’t beat out-of-sorts West Ham, no.
Prediction: West Ham 1 Aston Villa 3
SUN 4:30PM – BRENTFORD v LEEDS
Stats: Leeds are the only pointless team on a Sunday this season. Three of the last four games between these sides have ended in a draw. Both Sudnay meetings between these sides ended in a draw. Brentford (W8 D4) are unbeaten in their last 12 home games v Leeds.
Verdict: Leeds look like they have turned the corner, which is bad news for teams like Brentford who are barely better.
Prediction: Brentford 1 Leeds 2
MONDAY 8PM – MAN UTD v BOURNEMOUTH
Stats: Bournemouth (W2 D2) are unbeaten in their last four v Man Utd. But Man Utd have won all five midweek games v Bournemouth.
Verdict: Bournemouth’s season is quickly dying in the arse.
Prediction: Man Utd 3 Bournemouth 0
2025-26 Premier League Predictions Week 16
And here are all the tips together in one place for your convenience.
Chelsea 2 Everton 0
Liverpool 2 Brighton 2
Burnley 1 Fulham 0
Arsenal 5 Wolves 0
Crystal Palace 0 Man City 3
Nottingham Forest 1 Spurs 1
Sunderland 1 Newcastle 1
West Ham 1 Aston Villa 3
Brentford 1 Leeds 2
Man Utd 3 Bournemouth 0
Season Progress
RATING: Barely better than Wolves.
SEASON: 58/130 – 7 perfect scores.
LAST TIME: 2/10
2025-26 Premier League Season Stats
Each week we’ll bring you some of the choicest cuts of stats we have created from our Data super computer called Jeff.
