I believe there is no straight answer, it might be something like this:

Objective knowledgeable fans of their own clubs predict their own clubs matches or league positions best.
Bookies (in terms of opening odds) predict most big clubs with obvious strengths and weaknesses best as they have the knack of seeing the big picture.
Skilful football analysts predict certain matches with a complex range of tactical factors including complex player attributes best.

So my conclusion is to get a mix of the right people in these three categories to make the best prediction in any match or league or cup standings.

Fans are too biased.

And they like to overreact.

AltoZ wrote:Fans are too biased.

And they like to overreact.

Yes that's true, they can't think clearly with their heads most of the time. Though they know their club very well, eg who is injury prone, who are the work horses, etc. Their views if taken into account intelligently, can possibly sharpen a neutral observer's judgement of a match.

I like this topic as I like to bet sometimes as well and try to find out more in order to make the best decisions. Fans are probably the less objective, its just very difficult to be. Damn bookies always wins, u cant beat them. I wish I know more about their inner workings, like their odds are calculated that whatever happens they wont lose, more or less, how they do it is a mystery. Analysts do their best and are often a good guide.