EPL How they've started .. 20th-16th
October 12th 2010 11:09
Link: twitter.com/mattsaltmer
Given that all 20 clubs in the English Premier League have had two weeks off for the International Break, I have decided to analyse how they have all started the new season. Seven league games in, and there are a few surprises in how the table looks. To make sure I can fully detail how each of the 20 teams' starts to the season have gone, I'm going to analyse them five at a time, starting with the bottom five. Shockingly, this category does include Liverpool!
20th - West Ham
Good news for Hammers fans this week to distract them from their team's current position, the English Athletics board have backed their bid, to move into the Olympic Stadium after the London 2012 games. But on the pitch, its been a bleak start from Avram Grant. To be fair though, this season all teams have been picking up points, as 5 points wouldn't normally have you bottom after seven games. West Ham have improved in recent weeks, after scoring no points in their first three games, one win over Tottenham so far and two draws. I feel there is enough quality in their squad, to keep them up by the skin of the teeth, like last season again.
My Prediction - 17th
19th - Wolves
Mick McCarthey's men did brilliantly last campaign, following promotion with a 16th placed finish. They started well this time as well, 5 points after 3 games. Unfortunately, only two more points have followed, and they are joint bottom with West Ham. Wolves have also attracted a lot of criticism for the discipline at the club in the early weeks of this season, with Karl Henry's shocking red card challenge last week not helping. It's a big season for the Midlands club, as staying up the second time is often more difficult.
18th - Liverpool
I still can't believe I'm reporting on Liverpool's start in this bottom five segment. The most successful team in English football history, are currently in the relegation zone, after a turbulent start to the campaign, on and off the field. With world-class players like Gerrard, Torres and Reina at the club, of course they will survive, and should still finish top 8. Despite the negatives, they are still only five points off the Champions League places. But if the ownership battle continues much longer, and a nine point deduction could loom, then maybe their worst ever Premier League finish could be on the cards.
My Prediction - 8th
17th - Everton
I'm sure, like me, Toffees manager David Moyes will be baffled by Everton's start. After injuries ruined the first half of last season, they were arguably the best team in the second half of the last campaign, storming back to finish 8th. I expected this season they would challenge for a top four place, but not so far. A dismal start lead them to just three points from their first six games. After a win at Birmingham last time out, Moyes will hope they have turned the corner. There is so much quality in their squad, and again, with the league so tight, I still expect a high finish from Everton.
My Prediction - 7th
16th - Birmingham City
Alex McLeish and Birmingham City, could be the victims of their own success this season. They over achieved last year, following promotion by finishing 9th in the Premier League. Their squad isn't good enough to finish top half, and survival must be the priority. But unfortunately, after finishing so high last term, I'm not sure the fans will see it that way, and this could lead to a lot pressure. While I feel they are not good enough for the top half, Birmingham are too good for the drop, and will finish comfortable mid table.
My Prediction - 14th
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