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"The end is near - Premiership Title & Relegation Predictions"

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

LOL, I don't see how anyone could really agree to knight Arséne Wenger!!
He doesn't really deserve the 'Sir' infront of his name, and Arsenal will never do 'THE Treble'! He'd need to accept his own teams mistakes first of all, and there's still a lot more to be done also, before he could even be condsidered to be knighted!!

Have you seen Ipswich's run in? They play basically all the top 5 in their last 8 games. They really are in a lot of trouble.

For relegation, I'll stick with the same three I predicted at the start of the season - Derby, Leicester and Ipswich.

For the title, I'm thinking Arsenal could take it this year, with utd in second.

Anyone reckon Arsene Wenger will be knighted if Arsenal do the treble?

I think it will be a little tighter at the top, the way things are going it looks like even goal difference could be crucial

I think that Arsenal will come second in front of Liverpool by about 6 points, and Man u will come 1st infront of Arsenal by about 4 points.

I think that Blackburn, Leciester and Derby will go down this season.

Chelsea will win the FA cup, but wont go into the Uefa cup, because of the Champions league spot they will get from finishing in forth.

Very goo post! You've backed up everything you say!

I also think that Everton will survive, due to the influence and effect Ginola can have on the team - especially the youngsters!
I agree the Leicester will go down, no doubt, and that they may loose top players like Izzet and Elliott after doing so. I never really thought i'd see Leicester go down for a long long time. :( They should've stuck with Peter Taylor and given him more time!

Derby and maybe Bolton will join them in my view, as Blackburn have played too well in the big games to go back down again!
Derby have looked quite shocking for most of the season - except for the odd games like the United one. :( And that's even with Ravanelli, who'll probably need another new club this summer, and Eranio will AGAIN leave Derby, maybe to re-sign again straight after!??

The relegation dog-fight's gunna be interesting, but not like the race for the title!! I hope United will win it, but if not, it'll probably be Arsenal. :(

Thanks for replying. I knew the Everton thing was a little controversial - I chose them because I honestly think Derby and Blackburn are better teams. Even a staunch Everton fan would admit they're a pale shadow of their former self. They have escaped relegation a lot recently, I think this year it will catch up with them.

P.S. I have reported you, 'BAN ME'. Prat.

It actualy reads rulespokemon. Heh. Silly boy.

But, good topic, nice little rundown on everything. Nice read.

*

More importantly....who's gonna be joining you in the premiership next season.

Man City --- probably.

Wolves --- probably.

Coventry City Football Club --- Oh Hell Yeah!

Glancing at the fixtures you can see they have a lot of home fixtures, which could be a benefit.(liverpool)

but bet you didnt know they have done better away this season then home.