EPL How they've started .. 15th - 11th
October 12th 2010 11:26
Link: twitter.com/mattsaltmer
The second half of my look at the Premier League season so far, focuses on the five teams, who have not made disastrous starts, but still remain in the bottom half of the table. With only 3 points currently seperating 4th and 14th, the league is so close that these teams, will know results this coming weekend could propel them into the top 10.
15th - Newcastle United
Unfortunately, fans of Newcastle United like myself, will only be able to think about the image above right now. In the game before the break, Hatem Ben Arfa's broken leg has put a huge cloud over the club, but now it is time to move on. Seven points is a decent start, with great wins over Everton and Aston Villa, cancelled out by defeats to Stoke and Blackpool. A huge six-pointer against Wigan looms on Saturday, with the winner surely moving into the top half, and the loser, possibly sliding into the drop zone. I think the Magpies will just about have enough to survive, but its going to be tight!
My Prediction - 16th
14th - Wigan Athletic
Roberto Martinez's side have had a very strange start to the season. Beaten 4-0 and 6-0 at home in the first two games, they have done well to negotiate 8 points from their last five games. A 1-0 win at White Hart Lane, shows there is a real determination in the squad. I have to say however, despite lying 7th from bottom, of all the teams I have watched this season, the Latics have impressed me the least. It will be interesting if chairman Dave Whelan, who is very loyal to his managers, sticks with Martinez should they be in trouble, come the new year.
13th - Blackburn Rovers
To me, Blackburn are now the definition of a mid-table team in the Premier League. I'd never expect them to be relegated, but never expect them too finish too high. Their start to the season has reflected this. Picking up points consistently at home, and Sam Allardyce's team are looking solid. It is difficult to suggest what success would be at the Lancashire club, maybe just top ten? I feel that is probably what they will ultimately achieve, especially if Kalinic can keep scoring goals.
My Prediction - 10th
12th - Bolton Wanderers
Again, Bolton are a classic mid table team, doing what they do in the early part of this season. Too good to go down, but not going to raise too many eyebrows along the way. Owen Coyle has got them playing some decent football, and with flair players like Elmander and Petrov settling down well, could push for top half finish, but I feel they will finish roughly where they are now right now.
My Prediction - 12th
11th - Sunderland
The North East club have drawn their last two games, away at Liverpool and at home against Manchester United. While they are far from the most complete squad in the league, they are my favourites to finish highest of the rest of the league. What I mean is, there are eight teams, who despite not being the top eight right now, are easily the best eight in the league. I think Sunderland will eventually finish 9th, for one reason, goals. Every team in the Premier League needs a reliable goal scorer to be successful, and in Darren Bent, Sunderland have one of the best. And who knows, if Gyan can settle in and score goals as well, maybe a top eight finish wouldn't be beyond them.
My Prediction - 9th
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