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It's that time of the year again when the run in to the 2001-2 Barclaycard Premiership begins. With the title race developing into one of the most exciting for years and the relegation dogfight proving equally compelling, I have takn it upon myself as an ambassador for football (lol) to write about who's fighting to be top and who's facing the drop.
Let's start with the title race:-
Manchester Utd (Played 30, 61 points)
Run in: West Ham (A), Middlesbrough (H), Leeds (A), Leicester (A), Arsenal (H), Chelsea (A), Ipswich (A), Charlton (H)
They're run in is definitely the most diffcult of the chasing pack. With the distraction of Champion's League football only time will tell whether United can maintain their current challenge. History dictates that they will. Champions seven of nine Premiership seasons, they have the experience and stamina vital to a successful season. With Van Nistelrooy in red-hot form, Forlan showing glimpses of his ability and Veron and Beckham reaching their best form their prospects look bright. However, their defence has faltered in the big games and as their two defeats to Liverpool have shown, they have been exposed in the big games. One wonders what a potential Champions League exit would do to their confidence. Yet I think Ferguson's managerial experience will pull them through.
Prediction: 1st
Liverpool (Played 30, 59 points)
Run in: Middlesbrough (A), Chelsea (H), Charlton (H), Blackburn (H), Sunderland (A), Derby (H), Tottenham (A), Ipswich (H)
Glancing at the fixtures you can see they have a lot of home fixtures, which could be a benefit. Saying that their style of play is better suited to away games and their away form reflects that. Liverpool are coming in to form at the right time, and Heskey, Murphy etc are starting to get rid of their mid season poor form. They are playing some teams that are fighting relegation rather than fighting for the title but that can prove tough if not tougher. The return of Houllier will give them some welcome impetus but the erratic fitness of Owen could prove costly. Their relative inexperience could count against them.
Prediction: 3rd
Arsenal (Played 29, 60 points)
Run in: Aston Villa (A), West Ham (H), Sunderland (H), Charlton (A), Tottenham (H), Man Utd (A), Ipswich (H), Bolton (A)
Arsenal are definitely the form team at the moment and are the bookies favourites. Pires, Bergkamp, Viera et al have been in startling form and they are looking confident. However, the spectre of Henry's 3 game ban, injuries and the distraction of the Champion's League and the FA Cup could work against them. Injuries and disciplinary problems will eventually edge them out of the top spot though.
Prediction: 2nd
So there you have it, my predictions for this year's title race. Because of this weeks result I have not included Newcastle in this list and I believe it will be out of them, Chelsea and Leeds for the remaining Champions League spot.
You have read my title predictions - now its time for the relegation fight! With Man Utd walking the past few title races we have always been able to rely on the relegation fight going right to the wire and providing us with some wonderful last day excitement (except for the fans of teams who get relegated, of course).
Here are my predictions for the drop:
Leicester City (Played 28, 17 points)
Sorry, city fans, but I don't think I need to tell you that you are destined for the drop this season. Typical - as soon as a new stadium is built to generate extra revenue it plays to Div1 football. Chronic lack of goalscorers, silly mistakes at the back and disharmony amongst the ranks have cost Leicester dear this season. The early season dismissal of Peter Taylor didn't help. It appears that even Dave Basset has accepted the inevitable and is preparing the club for Div1 football and the inevitable exodus of its top players.
Prediction: 20th
Bolton Wanderers (Played 29, 30 points)
Bolton's season has promised much but ultimately delivered little. As critics expected, their early season form has not been consistent enough and they have faltered. A reliance on Michael Ricketts hasn't helped, and neither has the number of draws they have got, leading to them becoming the Premership's draw specialists. Despite the signing of Youri Djorkaeff I really don't think it will be enough to save them. Division 1 beckons.
Prediction: 19th
Everton (Played 29, 30 points)
I am going to surprise a few of you and plump for Everton as my other prediction to get relegated. They have survived a lot over recent seasons but despite some good players I really don't think they are good enough. Their players are getting older, Walter Smith is just trying to use Rangers tactics on Everton, and this reluctance to change as well as crippling injuries will cost them. Sorry.
Prediction: 18th
I think that Derby, Blackburn and Ipswich will survive the drop. There are a few teams hovering above the zone but at this stage I can't see other teams doing enough to drag them into it. Blackburn's Worthington Cup win proved they are a Premiership side and I believe John Gregory's motivational skills will keep Derby in the Premiership.
Please tell me what you think
Thanks for reading
RM18
Let's start with the title race:-
Manchester Utd (Played 30, 61 points)
Run in: West Ham (A), Middlesbrough (H), Leeds (A), Leicester (A), Arsenal (H), Chelsea (A), Ipswich (A), Charlton (H)
They're run in is definitely the most diffcult of the chasing pack. With the distraction of Champion's League football only time will tell whether United can maintain their current challenge. History dictates that they will. Champions seven of nine Premiership seasons, they have the experience and stamina vital to a successful season. With Van Nistelrooy in red-hot form, Forlan showing glimpses of his ability and Veron and Beckham reaching their best form their prospects look bright. However, their defence has faltered in the big games and as their two defeats to Liverpool have shown, they have been exposed in the big games. One wonders what a potential Champions League exit would do to their confidence. Yet I think Ferguson's managerial experience will pull them through.
Prediction: 1st
Liverpool (Played 30, 59 points)
Run in: Middlesbrough (A), Chelsea (H), Charlton (H), Blackburn (H), Sunderland (A), Derby (H), Tottenham (A), Ipswich (H)
Glancing at the fixtures you can see they have a lot of home fixtures, which could be a benefit. Saying that their style of play is better suited to away games and their away form reflects that. Liverpool are coming in to form at the right time, and Heskey, Murphy etc are starting to get rid of their mid season poor form. They are playing some teams that are fighting relegation rather than fighting for the title but that can prove tough if not tougher. The return of Houllier will give them some welcome impetus but the erratic fitness of Owen could prove costly. Their relative inexperience could count against them.
Prediction: 3rd
Arsenal (Played 29, 60 points)
Run in: Aston Villa (A), West Ham (H), Sunderland (H), Charlton (A), Tottenham (H), Man Utd (A), Ipswich (H), Bolton (A)
Arsenal are definitely the form team at the moment and are the bookies favourites. Pires, Bergkamp, Viera et al have been in startling form and they are looking confident. However, the spectre of Henry's 3 game ban, injuries and the distraction of the Champion's League and the FA Cup could work against them. Injuries and disciplinary problems will eventually edge them out of the top spot though.
Prediction: 2nd
So there you have it, my predictions for this year's title race. Because of this weeks result I have not included Newcastle in this list and I believe it will be out of them, Chelsea and Leeds for the remaining Champions League spot.
You have read my title predictions - now its time for the relegation fight! With Man Utd walking the past few title races we have always been able to rely on the relegation fight going right to the wire and providing us with some wonderful last day excitement (except for the fans of teams who get relegated, of course).
Here are my predictions for the drop:
Leicester City (Played 28, 17 points)
Sorry, city fans, but I don't think I need to tell you that you are destined for the drop this season. Typical - as soon as a new stadium is built to generate extra revenue it plays to Div1 football. Chronic lack of goalscorers, silly mistakes at the back and disharmony amongst the ranks have cost Leicester dear this season. The early season dismissal of Peter Taylor didn't help. It appears that even Dave Basset has accepted the inevitable and is preparing the club for Div1 football and the inevitable exodus of its top players.
Prediction: 20th
Bolton Wanderers (Played 29, 30 points)
Bolton's season has promised much but ultimately delivered little. As critics expected, their early season form has not been consistent enough and they have faltered. A reliance on Michael Ricketts hasn't helped, and neither has the number of draws they have got, leading to them becoming the Premership's draw specialists. Despite the signing of Youri Djorkaeff I really don't think it will be enough to save them. Division 1 beckons.
Prediction: 19th
Everton (Played 29, 30 points)
I am going to surprise a few of you and plump for Everton as my other prediction to get relegated. They have survived a lot over recent seasons but despite some good players I really don't think they are good enough. Their players are getting older, Walter Smith is just trying to use Rangers tactics on Everton, and this reluctance to change as well as crippling injuries will cost them. Sorry.
Prediction: 18th
I think that Derby, Blackburn and Ipswich will survive the drop. There are a few teams hovering above the zone but at this stage I can't see other teams doing enough to drag them into it. Blackburn's Worthington Cup win proved they are a Premiership side and I believe John Gregory's motivational skills will keep Derby in the Premiership.
Please tell me what you think
Thanks for reading
RM18
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Looks my hunch about Everton may be coming true, eh?
Too busy watching the gas eh???
I'm sorry.
I forgot all about it.
I forgot all about it.
Never heard of him.
And well done for rememebering to submit your team this time. :)
And well done for rememebering to submit your team this time. :)
My cousin just moved there.
his names Joe Hale
i live in filton by British Aerospace.
and i've just submitted my team for fantasy football.
his names Joe Hale
i live in filton by British Aerospace.
and i've just submitted my team for fantasy football.
Do you know Backwell??
I live near there, by the airport.
I live near there, by the airport.
Hey Solskjær_24
Where in Bristol do you live?
Where in Bristol do you live?
Solskjær_24 wrote:
> Good point there RM18!
I'd like to see a celebrity deathmatch between Fergie
> and Wenger!! Now that would be entertainment! :D
you could include Sam Hamann as the special guest referee
> Good point there RM18!
I'd like to see a celebrity deathmatch between Fergie
> and Wenger!! Now that would be entertainment! :D
you could include Sam Hamann as the special guest referee
Good point there RM18!
I'd like to see a celebrity deathmatch between Fergie and Wenger!! Now that would be entertainment! :D
I'd like to see a celebrity deathmatch between Fergie and Wenger!! Now that would be entertainment! :D
People moan about Ferguson and the amount he complains, but what about Wenger? He moans about the timing of fixtures, and he blamed Arsenal's poor disciplinary record on the pitch, now television?
Remember when Utd wanted an extension to the season when they had to play four games in eight days? Then Wenger said they shouldn't be allowed. Now look who's complaing about the timing of fixtures?
Remember when Utd wanted an extension to the season when they had to play four games in eight days? Then Wenger said they shouldn't be allowed. Now look who's complaing about the timing of fixtures?
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