Over 462,000 fans around the globe put their powers of prediction to the test with Play Predictor over the last season, as 21-year-old Ferdinand from Berlin, Germany beat the competition with an outstanding 1,698 points, winning a VIP matchday experience at Stamford Bridge on top of a VIP merchandise bundle for him and a friend. So how did he do it?

‘I would make sure I wouldn’t submit my predictions too early, to ensure if there were any changes to the team, or last minute injury news, I was prepared and on top of it,’ he explains.

‘I would always be looking at Chelsea’s next opponents and their statistics, how many goals they had conceded and shots they’d had. So that I could make the best prediction possible.

‘I’ve been using The 5th Stand app for ages to keep up with the latest Chelsea news. I loved the concept of Play Predictor and when it was announced at the start of the season I got involved straight away! It’s a great idea to get more fans engaged and thinking about the next game. It’s had me hooked all season.’

Just like his hero Mason Mount, consistency played a big part in Ferdinand’s success in 2020/21, with his Play Predictor routine helping him win the ultimate prize.

‘I watched basically every game, and played all of them on Play Predictor. I definitely studied up, did my research to get a feel for what numbers might be best. Timo Werner over the course of the season was my most picked player. He’s a great goalscorer and I knew he would usually be on the team sheet.

‘Against Liverpool at Anfield, I just had a hunch that Mason Mount would step up and deliver for the Blues that game. He is a big-game player, and my prediction paid off to bag some big points.

‘I wasn’t always successful or accurate, but I was consistent, and that is what I believe has helped me win the big prize! Every game counts, every point counts. My predictions seemed to work out and I never changed my formula.’

Ferdinand’s Formula: Top 5 Play Predictor Tips

Ferdinand, who was born in Germany, discovered his love for Chelsea when he moved to Ireland aged four before being introduced to the Blues by a school friend.

Neither have ever seen a game at Stamford Bridge, but Ferdinand now hopes to repay Jonas by sharing his VIP matchday experience prize with him this coming season.

‘Going to Stamford Bridge to watch Chelsea play for the first time will be unreal. I am looking forward to taking Jonas. It is thanks to him I am a Chelsea fan. It will be brilliant to meet up with him again and watch a game together.

‘Play Predictor and Chelsea will be giving us that opportunity. I will definitely be playing next season.’